EU fishing leaders meet in Killybegs to challenge EU control rules, warning of red tape, lost landings, and jobs
10-12 Sept: Focus on Quotas, Controls and Coastal Futures
European fishing leaders gather in Killybegs this week to challenge new EU control rules threatening the sector’s future. The leaders represent 10 EU States including Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, France and Spain.
The AGM of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) opens tomorrow, 10 September, at Ireland’s largest fishing port. The meeting is hosted by the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO). Delegates from 17 Producer Organisations across Europe, together with senior European Commission officials, will debate urgent challenges facing the sector, with sharp focus on the controversial new EU fisheries control regulations.
Fears Of Added Red Tape And Costs
The EAPO says robust controls are essential for sustainability and food security, but fishing leaders warn controls must be workable and proportionate. Otherwise, they risk undermining both compliance and confidence across the sector.
The EAPO is concerned that the proposed new EU controls will add costs and red tape instead of simplifying compliance. Irish fishing leaders argue that Ireland is already suffering from an impractical control regime that is discouraging landings into Irish ports.
While SFPA figures show Irish vessels made over 95 percent of landings into Irish ports in 2024, there has been a marked drop-off in landings by foreign vessels. Irish fish processors say this represents a 58 percent fall in foreign quota landings into Ireland, particularly in Killybegs, hitting jobs in their sector.
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Foreign Landings Falling Away From Ireland
The Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA) reports that almost 39,000 tons of Ireland’s fish quota were landed abroad in 2024. They warn that current rules act as a strong disincentive to land in Ireland.
“This system is broken,” said Aodh O Donnell, IFPO Chief Executive. “Our ports should be magnets for landings, but the rules have had the opposite effect. Reform at EU level is urgently needed to restore confidence, competitiveness, and jobs in coastal communities.”
Dominic Rihan, KFO Chief Executive, added: “Quotas, controls and sustainability must be workable. Our members want to fish responsibly and keep business here in Ireland, but they need workable rules that reflect the realities of fishing.”
Wider Issues Looming Over Europe’s Fishing Sector
The EAPO meeting comes ahead of crucial 2026 quota negotiations, with “zero catch” advice for key whitefish species and overfishing of mackerel by non-EU countries already causing alarm.
Delegates will also discuss the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the spatial squeeze the industry faces from offshore windfarm development and the imposition of widespread Marine Protected Areas.
During the week, the EAPO will hold discussions with European Commission representatives and meet local politicians Sinn Féin TD Pádraig MacLochlainn and Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle. The AGM will also be addressed by Caroline Bocquel, CEO of BIM.
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