Commenting on the outcome of the fishing quota negotiations in Brussels former MEP and TUV Leader Jim Allister MLA has said the further 25% cut in the cod quota and the 25% cut in days at sea are a devastating and unwarranted blow to what remains of our white fish industry. By agreeing to this Minister O’Neill has driven another nail into the coffin of the white fish sector.

“The 9% cut in the permitted herring catch in the Irish Sea is equally unjustified, particularly as stocks are very healthy. Yet, the EU makes this capricious cut and ministers foolishly agree.

“Once more the machinations of the Common Fisheries Policy have served us ill.”

Fishing