Christmas quota lift for Ardglass trawlers

Christmas quota lift for Ardglass trawlers

21 December 2016

FISHERMEN in Ardglass have received a major boost.

The European Fisheries Council has ruled they will be able to increase the amount of prawns they catch in the Irish Sea next year. The quota increase has been welcomed by the local fish processing industry.

The annual December Fisheries Council in Brussels agrees fish quotas for the following year and with all the trawlers based in Ardglass specialising in prawn fishing, the decision to increase the annual catch by 8.6 per cent has provided a significant pre-Christmas boost.

Ahead of the crucial meeting in Brussels, EU bureaucrats were proposing a nine per cent cut in prawn quotas but shelved the proposal following intensive talks.

Dick James, the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation, has described the outcome of the Fisheries Council as “positive” for the local industry and their respective communities.

“These were the first negotiations over fishing quotas since the UK voted to exit the EU and so there was some trepidation about how our ministers would be treated,” said Mr James.

“Overall, I would say this is a positive deal for the industry in Northern Ireland. There were some disappointments, particularly that herring quotas in the Irish Sea are down 10 per cent. However, the 8.6% rise in prawns is particularly welcome as that is by far the most important one to our fleet.”

Mr James added: “With Brexit now looming, fishermen can look to the future with real optimism.”

Stormont Agriculture Minister, Michelle McIlveen, is also pleased the original proposal to cut prawn quotas by nine per cent was reversed during intensive negotiations.

The minister, who was part of the Brussels discussions, said increasing prawn quotas posed no risk to the sustainability of the species, with her arguments supported by what she described as “robust scientific work” provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.

“Our local fleet will benefit from an 8.6% uplift on the 2016 prawn quota which is worth an additional £1.43m to the UK fleet. The prawn stock is hugely important to our main offshore fishing fleet based in the County Down ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie,” the minister continued.

“Around 100 vessels are involved in the prawn fishery and this outcome means that they will have around 7,200 tonnes of the UK quota which is worth £15m. Local fish processors will have an increased supply of raw material for their range of scampi products that are marketed throughout the UK.”

Ms McIlveen is also pleased there is no reduction in the number of days boats can put to sea.

Ardglass councillor, Dermot Curran, is delighted the prawn quota has been increased for 2017 and that there has been no reduction in the number of days trawler skippers can put to sea.

“Given the heavy reliance on prawn fishing in Ardglass, this decision is welcome news. Local processors will also be pleased at the increase which represents a timely boost for not only Ardglass, but ports in Kilkeel and Portavogie,” he continued.

“The outcome of the December Fisheries Council has not always been positive for the Ardglass fleet but is on this particular occasion. The fact trawlers can land more prawns is good news for those who earn their living both at sea and on land.”

Councillor Curran added: “I am pleased that scientific evidence in relation to Irish Sea prawn stocks was considered during the Brussels negotiations. 

“This has not always been the case in the past, with the increase in quotas set to provide the Ardglass economy and the local fishing industry with a much-needed boost.”