|
|
Lifeline for Greencastle whitefish
fleet
22.12.08
GREENCASTLE fishermen
have been thrown a lifeline after EU proposals to
ban whitefish fishing in the North West were
overturned.
Successful lobbying by Donegal's fishing industry,
Government representatives and their counterparts in
Scotland and other affected areas resulted in an
actual increase in quotas. Whitefish quotas have
been increased by 4% on 2008 levels while pelagic
quotas are up 8%. The total value of quotas is up 5%
up from €194m in 2008 to €202m in 2009.
The move was welcomed locally when news that the
proposed whitefish ban was ditched. Moville-based
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said: "As ever, when you go
to fight your corner you do not expect to gain
everything but in this week there was a sense that
we could lose it all for the Greencastle whitefish
fleet.
"Minister (Killeen), buoyed up by the strong support
he had from within the industry and the political
sphere here at home, fought a very important fight
and has had a positive result. |
|
"These negotiations
were the toughest for many years, and focused on a
range of issues which have very substantial impacts
on the Irish fishing Industry. I spoke to Minister
Killeen both yesterday morning and today at
lunchtime and he was very aware of my interest in
the specific plight of the Greencastle based fishing
fleet. |
 |
The final deal delivers
a total of 37,000 tonnes of whitefish for Irish
fishermen for 2009 involving status quo on monkfish
and haddock - up 4% on last year.
A 33% increase in mackerel and a roll-over in the
40,500 tonne horse mackerel quota has also been
secured. To read more about what the cuts, if
implemented, would have cost Greencastle,
click here . |
|
