Irish fishing industry leaders have welcomed a €32 million mackerel agreement secured at the EU Agrifish Council, calling it a stabilising step despite ongoing quota imbalances.
The media outlet The Skipper reports that the deal secures mackerel landings worth €32 million (EUR 32 million). It follows sustained lobbying by the Seafood Ireland Alliance and engagement by Marine Minister Timmy Dooley.
Industry welcomes stability
Industry groups said the agreement brings short-term stability after recent disruption.
Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association, said the deal restores a level playing field after non-EU states inflated quotas and excluded the EU from negotiations.
The agreement also includes a 48% reduction in mackerel quotas to protect future stocks.
Quota imbalance persists
Despite the progress, Irish leaders stressed that structural inequality remains.
Ireland controls around 12% of EU waters but receives less than 6% of quotas.
Aodh O’Donnell of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation said Ireland will still have 20,000 tonnes less mackerel to catch in 2026.
Costs and long-term risks
Rising fuel costs are adding pressure. Industry figures warned that costs have doubled in recent weeks, putting vessel viability at risk.
Leaders said the deal protects jobs in key ports such as Killybegs, Rossaveal and Castletownbere, but called for long-term reform of EU quota allocation.