Marine Times

Minister Criticised for Allowing Increase of Norway's Access to Irish Fish Stocks

Minister's move to allow Norway to take 226,855 tonnes of blue whiting in Irish waters while limiting Irish fishermen to just 53,776 tonnes in 2023 draws strong condemnation from Rural Independent TD for Cork South-West Michael Collins

Deputy Collins, speaking from his Cork South-West constituency, issued a scathing statement regarding the recent quota allocation deal, stating: “How could Minister McConalogue issue a self-congratulatory press release claiming that this deal was a victory for Irish fishermen? The reality is that Norwegian boats will be permitted to catch over four times the blue whiting stock that Irish boats can in Irish waters.”

“I am calling out Minister McConalogue for his apparent willingness to accept such a deal, which was a cynical exercise. In fact, the deal is yet another blow to Ireland's indigenous fishing industry. For some time, I have been expressing my concern that the Minister and the government have abandoned their commitment to protecting the Irish Box and safeguarding the future of the Irish fishing industry.”

“The government has yielded to the unelected bureaucrats in Brussels who were eager to use Ireland's Blue Whiting quota as the currency to pay for Arctic Cod that could be passed on to southern European fishermen. Allowing the EU to use Ireland's Blue Whiting stocks in this way is undermining the entire sector. Blue Whiting is one of the most important pelagic stocks and is valued at an estimated €200 million for 2023.”

“Despite the importance of this fish stock, Ireland will only have approximately 5% of the EU allowable quota for blue whiting in 2023, while Norway will now be allowed to catch over 20% of that species in Irish territorial waters. I find it scandalous that 80% of the stock underpinning this fishery spawns and breeds in Irish territorial waters, yet Norwegian vessels will be catching most of the blue whiting quota in Irish waters this year.”

“The harsh truth remains that Irish waters will be stripped of their blue whiting quota this year, with Norwegian vessels reaping the lion's share and leaving many Irish boats floundering on the brink of bankruptcy. How can any responsible Irish Minister claim victory from a deal that allows foreign ships to plunder our waters, while our own fishermen are left with only a meagre slice of the estimated €200 million bounty?”

“This is yet another instance where the livelihoods of Irish fishermen have been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency, all in the name of securing Arctic cod quotas for other nations. It's a betrayal of the highest order, and the fact that Irish fishermen were not properly consulted makes it more galling.”

“Time and time again, our officials have failed to stand up for our fishing industry, allowing precious resources to be squandered while foreign boats sail away with the spoils. This cannot go on any longer. We need to hold these individuals accountable for their actions and demand answers. That's why I am calling for a full Dail debate and a thorough investigation by the Joint Committee on Agriculture into how this shameful situation has been allowed to unfold. It's time we had a government and a Minister who is willing to fight for the future of Irish fishing and the communities that rely on it,” concluded Deputy Collins.