“The EU has the legal tools to halt this reckless behaviour, including targeted trade measures, and it must use them.”
European trade organisations, including the European Association of Producer Organisations (EAPO) and Europêche, have also raised alarms. They have issued warnings that non-EU states are undermining responsible fisheries management, while the EU hesitates to act decisively.
“This behaviour has gone unchecked for too long,” says O’Donnell. “Without firm EU action, Ireland faces the sharpest quota losses. Norway, in particular, continues to exploit our shared stocks. They are landing up to seven times Ireland’s blue whiting quota, but they only catch 3% of this massive quota in their own waters.
The IFPO strongly supports Minister Dooley’s call for decisive action at the December Fisheries Council to protect stocks, coastal communities, and the industry. It also urges the full application of Hague Preferences to shield Ireland from the harshest cuts, and a meaningful financial support framework to underpin the resilience of both fleet and shore-based enterprises.
O Donnell says Ireland is taking a firm stand: “We must deny free access to Norwegian super trawlers in Irish waters. We must challenge EU proposals to transfer 17% of the meagre Irish blue whiting quota to Norway. This arrangement that disproportionately benefits other Member States while exploiting Ireland.”
The IFPO says the stakes are enormous – a 70% cut in mackerel could cost Ireland €84 million in export earnings in a single year. They are calling for blue whiting, spawning mainly in Irish waters, to be managed sustainably.
“This is about fairness, sustainability, and the future of Irish coastal communities,” says O’Donnell. “Ireland must not pay for the recklessness of others. The EU must back Minister Dooley, defend Ireland, and stop Norway and other non-EU states from continuing this reckless overfishing. The pelagic industry cannot survive otherwise.”