Jim Allister MEP, member of the European Fisheries Committee, has welcomed certain elements of the fisheries deal made in Brussels last night. 

Mr Allister commented, “I welcome the 12% increase in quota for prawns and 20% increase in plaice for the Northern Ireland fishing industry.  This increase in quota has been the first in years and it is something that I have argued for since being elected to Brussels.   

“I also welcome the announced review of the cod recovery scheme.  It is vital that we take a fresh look at the reasons why cod has declined in the Irish Sea and what effect closure of parts of the fishing ground are having for the Northern Ireland fishing fleet.”

Mr Allister did however express disappointment at the 1-day reduction in the number of days at sea.  “With the current economics in the fishing industry, fishermen cannot afford to have this further reduction in the time that they can spend fishing.”