Mayo Minister seeks greater support for Inshore Fishing Sector
Mayo TD and Minister of State Alan Dillon has called for action to support Ireland’s inshore fishing sector, particularly those involved in the hook and line mackerel fishery.
Minister Dillon has raised the issue with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, seeking a review of the current mackerel policy and quota allocation.
Speaking on the matter, Minister Dillon said: “The best way to support our inshore fishing sector is to give them more quota so they can actually make a living from the sea.
This will, in turn, sustain jobs and livelihoods in our rural and coastal communities.”
Currently, up to 1,850 vessels under 15 metres are eligible to participate in the hook and line mackerel fishery.
However, the sector has faced repeated early closures of the fishery due to quota shortages, raising serious concerns about the viability of the fishery and the fairness of quota management.
Over recent years, Mayo’s inshore fishermen, through the National Inshore Fishermen’s Forum (NIFF), have proposed increasing both the per-trip landing limits and the overall 400-tonne quota.
These proposals aim to ensure the fishery remains viable for the hundreds of men and women working in coastal communities across Ireland.
Minister Dillon continued, “The repeated early closures of the fishery highlight the urgent need for reform. We must ensure that all vessels looking to participate have a fair opportunity to catch mackerel.
I have asked Minister Heydon to review of the current mackerel policy, based on new evidence that clearly shows the existing quota is insufficient.”
Minister Dillon also pointed to Article 17 of the EU Common Fisheries Policy, which states that quota allocation should not be based solely on historical track record, but also on environmental sustainability and socio-economic benefit.
“This is about fairness and sustainability. The inshore sector has a low environmental impact and provides significant socio-economic value to our coastal regions. It’s time the policy reflected that.”
Minister Dillon has also been advised that negotiations are currently underway at EU level regarding potential increases in mackerel quota allocations from Iceland or Denmark. He expressed hope that any additional quota secured through these talks will be used to support Ireland’s inshore sector.
“I am hopeful that any additional mackerel quota secured at EU level will be directed toward supporting our inshore fishermen. They deserve a fair share and a fair chance.”