Fisheries and Aquaculture

Ireland has had a raw deal with fisheries policy. I am working hard with colleagues on the Fisheries Committee to ensure that the interests of Ireland’s fishermen, particularly small-scale fisheries are the basis of a sustainable fisheries policy that benefits coastal communities, fish stocks and the broader population.

The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy provides Ireland with a unique opportunity to rebalance fisheries policy in favour of small coastal communities and the local industries that benefit on them. This has to be a priority of all actors in the negotiations.

I am also a strong supporter of aquaculture – it is not sustainable that Cork Airport is the biggest entry point of fish in Munster – there are numerous opportunities for investment in aquaculture on our coastline, and carefully targeted investment will provide many jobs in coastal communities. I therefore welcome the plan by Minister for the Marine Simon Coveney to promote Aquaculture in Ireland.