Menu
18/06/2001
RODGERS OPPOSES FURTHER FISHING QUOTA REDUCTIONS
EUROPEAN Commission proposals to restrict the fishing industry's activities and reduce quotas for whitefish would have a devastating socio-economic impact on Northern Ireland according to Fisheries Minister Bríd Rodgers.
Voicing her opposition to the European Commissions' strategic plan for the industry tabled on June 18 during the fisheries council in Luxembourg, the Minister said: "The proposals include a five year and more recovery plan for two whitefish species, namely hake and cod with cuts of nearly 50 per cent in quotas and up to 40 per cent in fishing activity.
"While my Ministerial colleagues and I broadly accept the need for a Common Fisheries Policy that is both environmentally and economically sustainable, I will be stressing during negotiations the regional importance of our fishing sector in Northern Ireland.
"I will also be highlighting how our industry has been hit disproportionately by two Cod Recovery Plans, the continuing disadvantage to Northern Ireland of the Hague Preference application, and the unwarranted 10 per cent cut last year in Total Allowable Cash quota for nethrops.
"The Northern Ireland industry has already demonstrated its willingness to co-operate with Common Fisheries Policy, but I believe that the carte blanche implementation of further swingeing cuts could threaten its very survival.
"We have already consulted our local industry on the Green Paper dealing with the future of Common Fisheries Policy. However, following today's further proposals from the Commission, I will be instigating immediate discussions to assess the best way forward for the Northern Ireland fishing industry.”
Mrs Rodgers is expected back from Luxembourg on June 19. (CD)
Voicing her opposition to the European Commissions' strategic plan for the industry tabled on June 18 during the fisheries council in Luxembourg, the Minister said: "The proposals include a five year and more recovery plan for two whitefish species, namely hake and cod with cuts of nearly 50 per cent in quotas and up to 40 per cent in fishing activity.
"While my Ministerial colleagues and I broadly accept the need for a Common Fisheries Policy that is both environmentally and economically sustainable, I will be stressing during negotiations the regional importance of our fishing sector in Northern Ireland.
"I will also be highlighting how our industry has been hit disproportionately by two Cod Recovery Plans, the continuing disadvantage to Northern Ireland of the Hague Preference application, and the unwarranted 10 per cent cut last year in Total Allowable Cash quota for nethrops.
"The Northern Ireland industry has already demonstrated its willingness to co-operate with Common Fisheries Policy, but I believe that the carte blanche implementation of further swingeing cuts could threaten its very survival.
"We have already consulted our local industry on the Green Paper dealing with the future of Common Fisheries Policy. However, following today's further proposals from the Commission, I will be instigating immediate discussions to assess the best way forward for the Northern Ireland fishing industry.”
Mrs Rodgers is expected back from Luxembourg on June 19. (CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2002
Pearson pledges to defend fishing interests
Direct rule agriculture minister Ian Pearson has told representatives of the Northern Ireland fishing industry that he "will work tirelessly" to defend the north's interests in EC negotiations.
Pearson pledges to defend fishing interests
Direct rule agriculture minister Ian Pearson has told representatives of the Northern Ireland fishing industry that he "will work tirelessly" to defend the north's interests in EC negotiations.
05 July 2013
Additional Measures To Help NI Fishing
Additional support is being supplied to the fishing industry in Northern Ireland following the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The announcement came as Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill spoke after a meeting of the Executive.
Additional Measures To Help NI Fishing
Additional support is being supplied to the fishing industry in Northern Ireland following the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The announcement came as Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill spoke after a meeting of the Executive.
27 March 2006
Minister confirms no payouts for fishing tie-up
Fisheries Minister, Lord Rooker, has confirmed that there will be no compensation payments made to fishermen during the 2006 tie-up period. The Minister announced his decision following recent calls to pay compensation to NI fishing vessels during the closure of the Irish Sea to whitefish for three months this year.
Minister confirms no payouts for fishing tie-up
Fisheries Minister, Lord Rooker, has confirmed that there will be no compensation payments made to fishermen during the 2006 tie-up period. The Minister announced his decision following recent calls to pay compensation to NI fishing vessels during the closure of the Irish Sea to whitefish for three months this year.
16 December 2002
Fishing industry must be sustained says McGrady
As EU ministers sat down in Brussels today to begin the latest round of negotiations over fish quotas allocation, South Down MP Eddie McGrady called for greater protection for the local industry in the face of "further drastic cuts".
Fishing industry must be sustained says McGrady
As EU ministers sat down in Brussels today to begin the latest round of negotiations over fish quotas allocation, South Down MP Eddie McGrady called for greater protection for the local industry in the face of "further drastic cuts".
06 December 2004
Body of Co Fermanagh angler found
The body of an angler who went missing on a Co Fermanagh lough last Monday has been recovered. Gordon Duncan, 53, from Enniskillen, was found in Loch Erne close to Bellanaleck by members of the Boyne Fisheries Rescue on Sunday. The father-of-three was last seen fishing from a dinghy on Upper Lough Erne on Monday.
Body of Co Fermanagh angler found
The body of an angler who went missing on a Co Fermanagh lough last Monday has been recovered. Gordon Duncan, 53, from Enniskillen, was found in Loch Erne close to Bellanaleck by members of the Boyne Fisheries Rescue on Sunday. The father-of-three was last seen fishing from a dinghy on Upper Lough Erne on Monday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
