Mixed Bag for Irish Fishermen in EU Quotas Agreement for 2025
European Fisheries Ministers reached an agreement on fishing opportunities for Irish and EU fishers for 2025 in the early hours of this morning at the December Fisheries Council. While the deal is being hailed as “a mixed bag” for Irish fishermen, fishing representative organisations acknowledge it as “as good as we could have hoped for given the scientific advice”.
Hague Preference a Key Win for Irish Fishermen
A key objective for the Irish Government was to maximize the preference for Irish fishers within the recommended scientific advice. This was achieved through the invocation of the Hague Preference mechanism, dating back to 1976. This mechanism recognizes Ireland’s dependence on stocks fished in Irish waters and provides for an increased share of designated stocks when they fall below certain levels – a concession granted by Ireland in response to allowing other EU Member States access to its Exclusive Economic Zone.
“The successful negotiation of Hague Preferences was a certain source of relief,” said Aodh O’Donnell, Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation.
Financial Challenges Despite Progress
Despite the positive outcome of securing the Hague Preference, the agreement presents some significant challenges for Irish fishermen.
Dominic Rihan, Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fisherman’s Organisation, noted, “The industry is facing into a difficult 2025 with reductions of 16% to our mackerel quota and a 12% reduction in the prawn quota.” He added that “very low quotas for cod, haddock, sole and pollack in the Celtic Sea were agreed, which will create serious financial difficulties for fishermen operating off the south coast.”
O’Donnell echoed these concerns, highlighting the key impacts of reductions in mackerel, Dublin Bay Prawns, hake and haddock in the Celtic Sea, amounting to approximately 20%. This will result in reduced landings and pose a threat to businesses dependent on the fishing industry.
Looking Ahead: Support Needed for Irish Fishing Industry
Both O’Donnell and Rihan emphasized that while the industry recognizes the Minister’s efforts, it remains in a crisis mode, largely due to the impact of Brexit. Seamstates must support the fishing industry to help it weather these challenges.
“The industry has the ambition to deliver for our coastal communities, but we require the requisite policies at government and EU level. It is important the minister remains actively engaged with the sector to deliver on these priorities,” said O’Donnell.
Minister McConalogue’s Stance
Minister McConalogue welcomed the agreement, stating that his objective was to secure the application of the Hague Preference for mackerel and herring in addition to traditional whitefish stocks. He acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the Hague Preferences for other Member States. “While Ireland is conscious of these sensitivities…the additional quotas obtained through the application of the Hague Preferences will provide stability for fishers and help to mitigate the impacts of necessary quota reductions,” he said.
The Minister expressed that while the agreement brings challenges for some species, particularly pollack and Celtic Sea whitefish stocks, it also brings opportunities for others, such as boarfish, West of Scotland monkfish, and the re-opening of the Horse Mackerel fishery.
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