European Commission talks on the cutting of fish catches enter their second day in Brussels today.
EU stocks of cod are at historic lows after years of overfishing. Scientists, repeating advice they gave last year, want to ban cod fishing in the North Sea, Irish Sea and off Scotland's west coast.
European Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler has ruled out this option. "We must show a certain amount of social responsibility for people who work in the sector," he said.
But for many species, he wants limits on the days fishermen may spend at sea and cuts in the maximum amount they may catch.
The Minister for the Marine, Mr Ahern, warned talks would be "particularly difficult" before he left for the Brussels talks.
He said Ireland believed in striking a balance between conserving stocks and maintaining a viable fishery. Fisheries ministers will examine a compromise plan from the Italian presidency.
