'Deeply concerning' - Minster meets members of pelagic industry in Killybegs

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, TD, today, Sunday met with members of Ireland’s pelagic industry in Killybegs.

The meeting was for an initial discussion on the recent scientific advice for key pelagic stocks such as Mackerel and Blue Whiting.

The quota is set to be reduced by 70% in 2026, while large cuts to blue whiting and boarfish quotas have also been proposed. Mackerel is Ireland’s most valuable catch and worth €94 million in exports. Such a reduction could see that figure slashed by as much as €66 million.

Following the meeting Minister Dooley said: “The scale of the reduction in Total Allowable Catch recommendations by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) for key pelagic stocks such as Mackerel, Blue Whiting and Boarfish is deeply concerning and will significantly impact on the Irish Seafood sector. This sector has shown resilience in the face of continued challenges over recent years as well as demonstrating a commitment to sustainable fishing.

"Ireland has raised the overfishing of key pelagic stocks by some Coastal States outside the EU repeatedly over recent years, and I will continue to highlight this critical issue for our fishers and engage intently with the European Commission and other Member States on possible actions to protect our stocks.”

The Minister will be meeting with relevant stakeholder groups on Wednesday to gather input on the annual Sustainability Impact Assessment, which will provide a further opportunity to discuss this advice, among other challenges facing the sector.

Minister Dooley concluded: “The Programme for Government emphasises the valuable role of fisheries in the future of our country and the communities that rely on this activity for their livelihood. I look forward engaging further with stakeholders at this critical time, to ensure that their interests are robustly represented at domestic, European and international level.”