Drop Down Menu
  Search...
 

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. Fishing boats in Greencastle harbour.
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 .
Return to > Top Stories    > News    > Home