Irish commercial fishermen rarely get good news from Brussels in terms of improved catch quotas and, when it happens, it should be recognised as a significant development. The industry, which provides vital employment in coastal communities, has been going through very difficult times in recent years. But the latest EU deal should see incomes grow substantially because of higher catch quotas and rising fish prices.
With vast tracts of valuable marine resources off our coast, we have a vital interest in this area. But successive governments failed to protect or exploit those riches when we joined the EEC, concentrating instead on developing the agricultural sector. Only in recent years, as fish stocks plummeted and conservation became a priority, has official attention been paid to the industry.
Traditionally, EU fishery ministers devote their Christmas meetings to cutting catch quotas for all species while ignoring scientific advice that recommends even tougher conservation measures. But, this year, there has been a recovery in some stocks and ministers have been able to change course. Minister of State for the Marine John Browne had good news concerning such valuable species as hake, haddock, prawns, mackerel, plaice and monkfish. But catches of cod, ling and herring will be reduced, along with blue whiting, a slow-growing deepwater species.
Apart from allocating catch quotas, EU ministers agreed to restrict the use of so-called "research fishing", which had been used in some countries to circumvent catch controls. In future, individual member states will be entitled to refuse entry to such vessels unless they meet sound scientific criteria. The use of gill nets in deep Atlantic water has also been circumscribed because of the damage being done to monkfish and other species.
Progress is being made in the conservation and management of fish stocks. But it is painfully slow and some species, such as cod, are still endangered. And illegal fishing is widespread. France was fined €20 million by the European Commission for not enforcing catch controls last year. And while 3,000 prosecutions took place in Spain, scientists estimate that landings there exceed quotas by 40 per cent in some instances.
Irish fishermen are no saints. They have been involved in incidents of fraud and illegal fishing. But their long-term interests lie in strict conservation and good management. Living beside one of the most productive fisheries in the world, they enjoy a natural advantage. Higher catch quotas for recovering species should reinforce that message.