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Minister welcomes constructive engagement from Stakeholders in discussion on European Commission’s proposal for Fishing Opportunities for 2021

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., today chaired a meeting of the Sea Fisheries Liaison Group of Fisheries Stakeholders to discuss the European Commission’s proposal for Fishing Opportunities for 2021.  The meeting was attended by fishing industry representative bodies and environmental NGOs.

This meeting is held each year in advance of the negotiations at the December EU Fisheries Council so that the Minister can hear the views of all fisheries stakeholders on the Commission’s proposals for Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for the following year.  This is an important part of the Sustainability Impact Assessment of the Commission’s proposal, which also includes a public consultation and as well as expert contributions from the Marine Institute (MI) and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

Minister McConalogue said “There was the good engagement at the meeting today.  This is an important opportunity for me to hear the views of stakeholders as we prepare for setting of Total Allowable Catches for Fish Stocks for 2021.”

The Minister added “The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty relating to the impacts of Brexit on Fisheries has made 2020 a challenging and unprecedented year for fisheries.  In these uncertain times it is more important than ever that we work together to achieve the best possible outcome for the Irish Fishing Community while ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks.”

Minister McConalogue will present the Sustainability Impact Assessment to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and the Marine on Tuesday 1 December.