Rodgers averts draconian fishing cuts for province

Agriculture Minister Bríd Rodgers has confirmed that she has averted major EC drastic cuts to Northern Ireland’s fishing quota next year.

News about the cuts emerged on Monday as European fisheries ministers began discussions in Brussels on proposals for deep cuts in allowable catches in a bid to conserve fish stocks.

The commission was seeking cuts of up to 60 per cent in next year’s catch quotas - coupled with the decommissioning of vessels and a reduction in the number of fishing days at sea to aid the conservation process.

Mrs Rodgers took part in the overnight talks in Brussels which finished on Tuesday December 18.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Rodgers said: “I was most worried when I saw the original proposals which involved up to 50 per cent reductions in Total Allowable Catches (TAC) in some species and was extremely concerned about the negative socio-economic impact on Northern Ireland if these had been ratified.

“In particular I was determined to protect our important prawn fisheries and, in the face of conservation arguments, to highlight the responsibility displayed by the Northern Ireland industry in faithfully implementing the cod recovery plan in the Irish Sea over the past two and a half years.

“I strongly resisted the proposal to make heavy cuts in the TAC for prawns and in fact secured a 25.5 per cent increase on the Commission’s proposals. I am also pleased to be able to confirm an increase in TAC for cod, representing a 52 per cent lift above last year’s figures.”

Mr Rodgers paid tribute to the support she received from her Ministerial colleagues from England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland during what she said were “marathon” negotiations.

She added that the need to conserve fish stocks had to be balanced with the need to preserve the industry and during the negotiations with the EU Fisheries Commission she had been determined to find the balance. (AMcE)