Kerry needs ‘emergency fishery plan’ as government is asked to support struggling industry

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Kerry councillors have urged the government to support an emergency fishery plan, in what they called a ‘decisive moment’ for the struggling industry.

Dingle-based Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald slammed proposed fishing quotas as ‘devastating’, with Kerry’s significant fishing industry being entirely at risk.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), who provides guidance to the EU, recommended a major cut of up to 70 per cent in fishing quotas.

ICES’s findings sparked a widespread protest from Ireland’s fishing industry, with industry representatives calling the advice a “hammer blow” for the sector.

At a council meeting on Monday, Cllr Fitzgerald warned the cuts could threaten over thousands of jobs and amount to up to €200m in losses.

“It is a decisive moment that can determine whether our fishing industry survives or struggles,” said Cllr Fitzgerald, “the scientific advice for 2026 quotas is devastating.”

ICES found that much of the EU’s fish stocks were below a safe biological limit, with mackerel spawning under significant pressure.

They recommended a 70 per cent reduction in mackerel catches, which is the highest caught fish in Ireland, a 40 per cent cut in blue whiting quotas and zero catch advice for key whitefish stocks.

Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), which represents fish produces in Ireland, warned the mackerel cuts could be particularly devastating.

“It could wipe out Ireland’s pelagic (offshore) fishing fleet and fish processors,” said IFPO CEO, Aodh O’Donnel.

“Mackerel is Ireland’s most valuable catch, worth €94m in exports to top markets in Europe and Asia. A 70pc quota cut could slash this by €66m next year.”

Kerry ports served to land nearly €30m of fish in 2022, being behind only Cork and Donegal in industry size.

Seafood Ireland Alliance has published an eight-point emergency plan to challenge ICES advice and represent Irish industry.

The plan demands high-level political support, emergency financial aid, a restructuring programme for whitefish and a review of licensing policy.

“It insists that rogue players who overfish shared stocks be denied access to EU waters,” added Cllr Fitzgerald, “it calls for urgent support for fishermen, fleets, processors, ports, and our fishing communities.”

The plan targets the EU’s December Council, which decides the fishing quotas for the year ahead, and looks to secure maximum representation during the process.

“This is not just about quotas, it is about fairness,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.

“Ireland has 12 percent of EU waters, yet less than 6 percent of quotas. That imbalance cannot continue. The December Council is a moment of reckoning.”