13 December 2017
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
The boost in value of whitefish quotas agreed this morning is great news for Cork fishermen, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Senator Tim Lombard welcomed the total of 40,168 tonnes of whitefish quotas agreed for 2018.
Senator Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) is based outside Carrigaline, Co Cork and represents the views of Cork residents in the Seanad
Senator Lombard said: “The total €152m value of the whitefish quotas secured for the Irish fishing fleet amounts to an 8% increase in value from last year and a 3% increase in volume.
“This year we secured a 15% increase in prawns, worth over €10.6m directly to the Irish fleet, which is the biggest single increase in over a decade and shows the very healthy state of this stock.
“There were a number of difficult issues facing us this year but I believe that the final package is a balanced and sustainable one.
“The main outcomes negotiated include a 15% increase in the prawn quota, worth €10.6m, which benefits the port of Castletownbere as well as Dingle, Ros a Mhíl, Clogherhead, Howth and Union Hall.
“A 13% increase for Albacore Tuna was also agreed which is important for the southern ports of Castletownbere and Dingle.
“For the mixed whitefish fisheries off the South and West coasts, a 2% increase in cod, a roll over in monkfish, an 11% reduction in haddock; and a 19% reduction in whiting- all in accordance with the scientific advice- were also negotiated.
“This is excellent news for our fishing community here in Cork and all across the island of Ireland.”
