The European Union is discussing plans to restrict cod fishing and retire thousands of trawlers in the face of opposition from the industry.
A four-day meeting of EU agriculture ministers, which starts today, is also tackling reforms put forward by the European Commission to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which has been blamed for sparking the crisis.
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EU fisheries commissioner Mr Franz Fischler
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The EU's executive arm says that after years of over-fishing, drastic changes are needed to prevent the collapse of several species including cod, a culinary staple in Ireland.
The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, last night accused the European Commission of being "determined to back Spain's position" on opening up the Irish Box."
The future of the 50-mile protected zone off the Irish west coast is one of three key issues facing Mr Ahern at the Brussels meeting.
On the eve of his departure for Brussels, the Minister warned that the council would represent "the most difficult negotiations facing a fisheries minister for 20 years".
Last week, French fishermen blockaded several English Channel in protests against the European Commission plans. Belgian and British fishermen also demonstrated.
Fishermen from Ireland, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Portugal and Spain dispute the Commission's figures, saying the reform plans cut quotas too deep and were drawn up without proper consultation.
But EU fisheries commissioner Franz Fischler, although acknowledging disquiet at the social impact of the measures, said there was no alternative. "We face a difficult but clear choice," he said.
Mr Fischler pushed for the 15 EU agriculture ministers to adopt the quota cuts, and another proposition that 8,600 trawlers be taken out of operation with EU aid.
In October a scientific report recommended closing all fisheries catching cod "either as a target species or as by-catch" in waters including the North Sea, Irish Sea and channels west of Scotland.
The commission's latest proposals would bring about the biggest cut in fishing of cod but also call for a 40-per cent cut in flatfish catches and a 10 per cent cut in the industrial fisheries segment.
AFP