Northern Ireland’s fisheries minister challenges proposed cut in 2015 haddock quota

Northern Ireland’s fisheries minister, Michelle O’Neill, has met with industry representatives and her UK counterpart, George Eustice MP, ahead of the Council of Ministers December negotiations on 2015 fishing opportunites.

“I am disappointed that the European Commission is proposing a cut in the Irish Sea haddock quota of 20% because of the lack of a full stock assessment. There is a case to be made to minimise the cut,” she said.

Northern Ireland’s Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill in talks with George Eustice MP, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

She added that the fishery provided a “useful alternative for a few vessels and helped to take the pressure off the prawn stock. 

“All fishing trips are scientifically observed and vessels have been able to target haddock this year with cod by-catch less than 1.5%. I also want to see the Commission set aside a scientific quota for Irish Sea cod so that Member States can continue to carry out a meaningful assessment of the state of the stock,” she added.

Minister O’Neill said that Nephrops (prawns) would be her “number one priority”, reflecting their “critical importance” to the local fleet. 

“I will be pressing hard for the best deal for our industry and will strongly resist any proposals to diminish fishing opportunities in the Irish Sea where these are not justified on scientific grounds.”