Fish quota outcome better than last year - Allister
21 December 2006
Statement by DUP MEP Jim Allister:
"The outcome of the Fisheries Council is mixed for Northern Ireland. But, first I would like to acknowledge and commend the effort made this year by the Minister David Cairns MP, who, unlike his predecessor, came to Brussels to fight Northern Ireland's corner. In consequence we have a better deal than last year.
The 17% increase is the prawn quota is essential for what is now the mainstay of our industry. The 15% increase in plaice quota is also welcome. However, set against these are cuts in sole, cod, whiting and haddock. Once again the cod quota is diminished by 20%, so that year on year it is a mere shadow of its former self. On top of this we face the 8th year of spring closure under the misnamed and patently failing "Cod Recovery Scheme".
A key concern continues to be the future of our whitefish fleet. It has been devastated over recent years and these further cuts add to the misery.
The reduction in "days at sea", though substantially less than the Commission was seeking, is still a blow, ameliorated somewhat by the extra days of fishing obtainable by participating in the voluntary Irish Sea Discard Project. I commend the local Anglo-North Irish FPO and the IFO in promoting this initiative, which disproves the slur of some that fishermen are disinterested in conservation and better fishing practices.
All in all, this year's outcome, while never as good as one would like, has positive aspects to set against the negatives."
