Ten Year Mackrerel Deal Between EU and Norway

The CEO of the Killybegs Fisherman’s Organisation (KFO), Mr. Sean O’Donoghue this week welcomed the deal between the EU and Norway which will bring stability to mackerel fisheries.

   The contribution of Mr O’Donoghue to the deal has been praised by fisheries minister Tony Killeen.

   After six months of discussions Minister Killeen expressed relief that a ten year deal has been reached which will put the mackerel fishery on a more stable footing.

   The talks were complex and and covered a number of management issues relating to joint fish stocks, control, setting TAC’s and exchanges in fishing opportunities.  According to Minister Killeen they were further complicated by the irresponsible fishing activites of Iceland on the mackerel stock and demands by the Faroe Islands for more mackerel quota.

   I am relieved that at least we were able to agree measures on a number of fronts with Norway which will put our fisheries on a more stable footing for future years.

   In the final analyses reaching agreement hinged on the mackerel issue and I am heartened that as the two largest shareholders of this most important stock, Norway and the EU, now have a common understanding and more importantily a comprehensive 10 year deal on mackerel arrangements.  This seperste agreement to the normal bi-lateral arrangements on fishing opportunities, commences in 2011 and will provide much needed stability and security for our fishermen and processors into the future the minister said.

   He added that economically speaking mackerel was our most important stock and it was imperative that they protect the sustainability of the fishery.  This deal will have the added benefit of placing both parties in a position of unified strength before commencing future talks with the Faroe Islands and Iceland on the mackerel fishery.

   With regard to the regular arrangements with Norway on exchanges of fishing opportunities, Ireland benefits little from the transfers of whitefish such as cod, plaice and sole in the North Sea and Arctic cod.

   Our main imperative therefore is to limit the transfer of pelagic stocks to Norway in exchange (especially Horse mackerel and Blue Whiting) for Arctic cod.  Ireland also contributes significantly to the transfer arrangements with the Faroe Island for no appreciable benefit.

   The Minister thanked the Federation of Irish Fishermen for their valuable advice and support and acknowledged Mr O’Donoghue who was in attendance at all the negotiations and was available at all times to advice on the impacts of the proposed arrangements on the Irish fleet.