Prawn quota rise is boost for Ardglass fishermen

Prawn quota rise is boost for Ardglass fishermen

1 January 2013

FISHERMEN in Ardglass have welcomed the EU’s decision to increase the amount of prawns they can land at the port next year.

EU decision-makers at the annual Brussels Fisheries Council negotiations have agreed to a six per cent increase in prawn catches across the three Co. Down ports which will also provide a boost to local fish processors.

The six per cent increase and the decision not to reduce further the number of days fishermen can put to sea has been described by fishing industry representatives as a “positive result,” with the news also welcomed by local politicians.

The European Commission had initially proposed a 12 per cut to Irish Sea prawn quotas but after some tough negotiating, a six per cent increase was agreed.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has given a cautious welcome to the outcome of the Brussels negotiations and called for more fisheries powers to be devolved locally.

While welcoming the increase in the prawn quota, Miss Ritchie expressed concern at the decision to introduce a 25 per cut to Irish Sea cod quota, suggesting the move “casts a large shadow over the more positive announcements.”

She continued: “EU officials need to re-engage with the scientific evidence that suggests cod stocks are much higher than stated in official estimates. It is only by doing so that they can provide the robust data necessary to create a sustainable future for cod fishing.”

The MP added: “While officials in Brussels seem to be slowly waking up to the mistakes of the past, we need a new fisheries regime that is responsive to local fishermen and provides a sustainable future for the industry and the marine environment.”

Strangford MP Jim Shannon said the outcome was a positive result for the Province’s fishing industry.

He said the decision not to reduce the number of days fishermen can earn a living “represents another welcome and significant boost for the local fleet.”

Local Assembly members Chris Hazzard and Kieran McCarthy are also pleased prawn landings at the ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie will increase this year.

Mr. Hazzard described the outcome of the Brussels negotiations as a “great result” and said with 95 per cent of the Co. Down fleet fishing for prawns, the six per cent increase agreed despite initial plans to introduce a 12 per cent cut is particularly welcome.

“The decision is a welcome boost for our fishing industry with the quota rise representing an increase of £900,000 in the value of the prawn catch, which itself is worth £15m annually. The quota increase will also help sustain 550 jobs in the local processing sector,” he added.

Mr. McCarthy is delighted the days fishermen can put to sea have not been cut. He said December was always a very worrying time for the Co. Down fleet and processors.

He said Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, her officials and representatives from the fishing industry deserved credit in persuading EU officials to increase the prawn quota.