Prawn quota increase vital, says MEP

02 December 2005

DUP MEP, Jim Allister, today raised strong objections with Commissioner Borg at the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament in regard to his proposal, in relation to the Irish Sea, for the December Council which decides the Fishing Quotas for next year. 

Though prawns, plaice, herring and haddock stocks have now risen in the Irish Sea, the Commission does not propose any increase in fishing effort for these stocks in 2006.  Instead, a cut is proposed in plaice and prawns.

Mr Allister reminded Commissioner Borg that when he visited Kilkeel he was told by the fishermen's representative that the Irish Sea was not being swept clean of fish, but was being swept clean, by Brussels, of fishermen!  Moreover, the Cod Recovery Scheme is failing yet he is proposing more pain, with no gain.  The MEP strongly urged a change of heart on the prawn quota saying that prawn fishing was the only lifeline keeping Northern Ireland's fishing industry alive.

Commenting afterwards, Mr Allister said:-

"With the Commission wanting to crucify our fishing industry even further, it is imperative that at the December Council meeting there is vigorous political input from Lord Rooker.  Last year, Ian Pearson made a strong and determined effort with paid off with an increase in prawn quota.  It is now up to Lord Rooker to deliver for Northern Ireland's fishermen.  I trust he will do so."

Fishing