Mike Nesbitt MLA, says the news coming out of Brussels regarding next year’s fishing quotas underlines the need for urgent reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
The Strangford MLA and Ulster Unionist Economy spokesman said: “The Minister points to success regarding prawns, with no change to the quota, despite the European Commission starting by proposing a 19% cut. That is certainly the element where you could say the glass is half full. But against that comes news of what is happening to the cod and herring quotas, which have both received vicious and unwarranted cuts. In this regard, the glass is more than half empty, and it seems to me this is an annual issue that needs to be addressed differently.
“I would be keen to work with representatives of the fishing fleet, and our MEPs to start negotiating now for next year. We have strong scientific arguments that need to be aired early if we are to have any chance of reversing the trends that are choking the industry.
“Ultimately, the solution lies in moving away from the current one-size-fits-all policy and recognising regional difference. I had high hopes the current European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, would press for a new, regional policy, given her experience of the way Europe has devastated small fleets in her native Greece, but it appears the dead hand of Brussels bureaucracy has intervened.
"We also need to think what else we can do beyond Europe. There are inshore fishing opportunities to explore for boats under 10 metres, and we must push the UK authorities to ensure a light touch when it comes to enforcement issues, such as the employment of foreign nationals on our fleets.
“On top of all that I will be tireless working with my colleague, Councillor Angus Carson, who has invaluable experience working the fleet, to explore opportunities for Portavogie and our other ports to develop a role within the supply chain as off shore renewable energy initiatives embed in the Irish Sea in the years ahead. Belfast Harbour has already committed £50 million in constructing a logistics facility for Dong of Denmark. There is clear potential for Portavogie on back on that.”