The State’s exclusive coastal zone should be extended from 12 miles to 25 miles to give greater protection to marine life, according to a policy paper published by the Institute of International and European Affairs, writes Lorna Siggins.
A plan drawn up by the institute for reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy also proposes adopting an “ecosystem-based” approach which encourages a more sustainable inshore fishery.
The European Commission is consulting member states on fisheries policy reform.
The institute says this offers an “opportunity to address the cycle of decline in which Irish and European fisheries have been trapped”.