Ritchie Calls For Herring Quota Increase By Summer
16 January 2012 |
Posted by Jim Masson |
THE coastal economy of East Down depends much on the bouyancy of the fishing industry of the ports of Ardglass, Portavogie and Kilkeel. Since the December Fisheries Summit in Brussels which set the fishing opportunities for local fishermen for 2012, there have been grumblings through the fishing ports about the size of quotas and other restrictions levied on the industry.
SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has called for the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister to be in discussions with the UK Fisheries Minister and with Brussels to ensure that a mid-year increase to the Irish Sea herring quota is attained.
Ms Ritchie was speaking prior to Monday's statement by Michelle O'Neill after the conclusion of the Council Fisheries negotiations in Brussels. Ms Ritchie will question the Minister in the Assembly chamber on Monday (16 January).
The Havilah, a Co Down based pelagic trawler which faces a reduced herring quota for 2012.
Ms Ritchie said: “Following the conclusion of the Council Fisheries negotiations in Brussels on Saturday, I’m calling for the DARD Minister,along with the UK Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon, to act immediately on behalf of the County Down fishing industry to atain a mid-year increase to the Irish Sea herring quota.
“Michelle O’Neill has intimated that she is pleased with the negotiations but regards to herring, the local fishing industry will determine the results as neutral at best.
“I have also concerns that the objective to pause further implementation of the EU’s Long Term Cod Recovery Plan - an objective shared across the UK was also not met along with the ability to maintain or increase the 2011 quota for herring in the Irish Sea against a proposal for a 25% cut.
“The local fishing industry has offered assistance designed to push for a mid-year increase in the quota, in advance of the herring season. I believe the Minister should be invited to confirm her commitment to this.
“Also, the Minister should be urged to provide a commitment that she will ensure that AFBI’s fisheries science resources are increased and maintained at a level that insures complete fish stock assessments can be delivered to the relevant institutions in the proper timeframes.
“I have recently met with UK Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon and will continue to do so and will meet with representatives of the fishing industry shortly. Our local fishing industry depends, in terms of onshore processing and off-shore fishing, on these outcomes. Jobs and livlihoods depend on it, therefore I continue to urge the DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill to renegotiate a deal that can secure the fishing industry here to ensure that there is a fair deal for everyone operating on the Irish Sea.”
