Fishing quotas for small boats
Deputy Michael Collins complained that small Irish fishing vessels have a tiny share of quota and are being penalised by reduced allowances. Minister Creed said exclusive access inside six nautical miles had just been granted to inshore fishing and that quota rules are constrained by the Common Fisheries Policy.
Is the Tánaiste aware that smaller Irish fishing vessels have rights over only 13% of the national fish quota? Fishing quotas are very unequally distributed and traditional fishing families are being squeezed out. For example, in 2018 a tier 1 boat could fish 437 tonnes, but now, due to penalties imposed for exceeding the quota, the allowance for that boat has been reduced to 70 tonnes. A tier 2 boat, allowed to fish 149 tonnes in 2018, has now had its allowance reduced to 24 tonnes. Fishermen should not be penalised for landing fish over the quota, because under EU regulations excess fish cannot be discarded at sea. However, under Irish law, the only way to land the exact quota is to discard the excess fish at sea. Will the Tánaiste explain why there are conflicting regulations in the EU and Ireland on how fishing vessels can land exact quotas? The pilot quota balancing scheme will squeeze the lifeblood out of small fishing villages and towns. What does the Tánaiste intend to do to ensure a fair system for all in the fishing industry? Will the Minister, who is present, meet those people who have been severely fined under this new regime?
Comment on this
The Deputy will be aware, in the context of the small boats he alluded to, that we took a very significant decision in recent weeks to grant exclusive access to the inshore fishing sector, the area inside six nautical miles. That step will significantly enhance the financial viability of the small inshore fishing sector, of whom there are a far greater number than those operating in larger fishing boats. The Deputy is obviously aware that we operate within the confines of the Common Fisheries Policy. The fishing opportunities available to the industry are determined at the December council meeting each year. We attempt to secure the maximum possible opportunity for our fishermen while operating within the constraints of the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, which includes attaining a maximum sustainable yield, and within the constraints of the landing obligation. In the context of the outcome of this year's December Council meeting, we have managed to achieve those objectives.