Irish fishermen are demanding that the EU impose trade sanctions on non-EU countries accused of overfishing mackerel — one of the bloc’s most valuable pelagic species.
According to the European Commission, the mackerel fishery could face a complete shutdown within two years unless an agreement is reached during the upcoming coastal states talks.
ICES recently advised cutting the total allowable catch by 70% next year — a move that could cost the Irish sector up to €80 million.
Industry leaders demand EU action
Fishermen in Ireland say the crisis is being fuelled by “unilateral quotas” set by Norway, Iceland, the Faroes and Russia — leading to catches far above scientific advice.
“The Commission’s statement offers no comfort,” said Dominic Rihan, CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation. “We need to see real action. If others keep breaking the rules, the EU must hit them with trade sanctions and roll back fishing access.”
Aodh O’Donnell, head of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, echoed the warning: “Without sanctions, these coastal states will fish the stock to collapse. We are already on the brink.”
EU urged to protect pelagic fleets
O’Donnell said the EU should suspend access to its waters and markets for “rogue states” and support European pelagic fleets now facing financial ruin.
Irish Minister of State for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, confirmed that Ireland has repeatedly raised the issue in Brussels. “We will continue to push for decisive action to protect our fishers and ensure long-term stock sustainability,” he said.
Negotiations between the EU, UK, Norway, Iceland, the Faroes and Greenland begin next week under the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, and are expected to be highly charged.
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