Allister lobbies Commissioner over fisheries quotas
21 November 2006
In the run up to the annual quota setting session in Brussels in December, MEP Jim Allister has laid out Northern Ireland's case to Fisheries Commission Dr Borg, demanding a significant increase in the prawn and plaice quotas. Set out below is Mr Allister's letter to the Commissioner.
Dear Commissioner,
As we again approach the critical time of the year when the fishing quotas are set, I write to you concerning the urgency of the situation facing the Northern Ireland industry. Again, we face another supposedly temporary closure under the Cod Recovery Scheme - for the 8th successive year, and no doubt proposals to cut both quota and Days at Sea. The Cod Recovery Scheme continues to fail yet it is persisted with, with no regard to the devastating social and economic consequences within the fishing communities. Again, the scientists are blindly demanding more savage cuts and I fear your proposals will show little independent thinking.
With nephrops having become the mainstay of the local Northern Ireland industry, the outcome in respect of this quota is of paramount concern. The scientific advice describes the current level of fishing effort as sustainable. It follows that there should be no cut in the quota and indeed a worthwhile increase of 25% could and should be considered. I shall also be looking for a significant increase in the plaice quota as there too the scientific news is good. With plentiful stocks of juvenile whiting I see no justification for reduction there, nor am I persuaded that Irish Sea cod, haddock and sole can bear any further reduction while at the same time maintaining a viable industry.
If, as seems the case, strong justification exists for an increase in the prawn quota, then there can be no sense or logic in reducing the Days at Sea which prawn boats are allowed to fish. Indeed, allowing recoupment of some of the Days at Sea provision would be likely to have a positive impact of enhancing cooperation with the fisheries scientists, giving rise to a benefit on all sides.
It would be nice to think that this year you might deliver a bearable package for the fishing industry, in keeping with your commitments of wanting to encourage and maintain a viable industry.
I trust you will consider these matters.
CC: DARD Fisheries Minister, David Cairns
