Fishermen in boost over herring catch

Fishermen in boost over herring catch

15 August 2012

ARDGLASS fishermen will be able to land increased herring catches.

A deal has been secured with the European Commission which will allow trawler owners to land more Irish Sea herring both this year and in 2013, with the increased amount permitted for the Northern Ireland fleet over the next two years increasing by 440 tonnes.

The news has been welcomed by councillor Dermot Curran, chairman of the Tri-Council Fishing Group which includes industry representatives and politicians from Down, Newry and Mourne and Ards councils.

Councillor Curran said the increase in the amount of herring which can be landed in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie will be welcomed by fishermen and those in the processing industry.

He revealed that last December the European Commission imposed a 10 per cent reduction on herring catches for 2012, but has now had a change of heart.

Councillor Curran said the reduction was contrary to independent scientific advice which indicated herrings stocks were not depleting.

“Fisheries Minister Michelle O’Neill and her officials have been working hard to have the herring quota reduction overturned and their excellent work is to be commended as it provides a timely boost for the Co. Down fishing fleet,” he continued.

“Industry officials are pleased with the increase in the amount of herring which can be landed at the local ports and this certainly is good news.”

Councillor Curran said the fact EC officials have agreed the move is important as fishermen have consistently argued that scientific evidence suggests other fish stocks in the Irish Sea are doing well.

“White fish quotas have been hit by successive reductions over recent years, but fishermen have been arguing strongly that scientific evidence suggests there is no need form such draconian cutbacks,” he continued.

“Perhaps now these particular stocks will be looked at closely and more cuts in the amount of white fish which can be landed at the Co. Down ports won’t be imposed for next year.”