The Fishing Daily Podcast – Series 06, Episode 02
In the latest Fishing Daily Podcast, Oliver McBride speaks with Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú as she outlines the purpose and urgency of her forthcoming fisheries meeting, describing it as a direct response to mounting pressure across the Irish fishing sector.
She said the event is intended to bring together representatives from the fishing industry, producer organisations and policymakers to discuss what she described as “structural failings” within current EU fisheries management, particularly under the Common Fisheries Policy. According to Ní Mhurchú, the meeting will focus on quota allocation, access to waters and what she considers to be persistent inequities affecting Irish vessels.
Ní Mhurchú told the podcast that fishermen in the south and south west have repeatedly raised concerns about declining opportunities, rising compliance costs and what they see as a lack of meaningful reform at EU level. She argued that the meeting will provide a platform to “air those frustrations directly” and to identify specific policy changes that Ireland should pursue in Brussels.
Quota Fairness and CFP Reform Central
A central theme of the discussion was quota distribution. Ní Mhurchú questioned whether Ireland’s share of key stocks reflects the scale of its waters and historic fishing activity. She indicated that reform of the Common Fisheries Policy must go beyond incremental adjustments and instead address what she described as “fundamental imbalances”.
She also raised concerns about the long-term viability of parts of the Irish fleet, particularly smaller operators who are heavily dependent on limited quota allocations. Without change, she warned, coastal communities could face further contraction.
The meeting, she said, will not be “a talking shop”. Instead, it is intended to generate clear proposals that can be advanced at European level. She stated that engagement with industry representatives is essential if policymakers are to understand the commercial realities facing vessel owners.
Access, Sustainability and Economic Survival
Ní Mhurchú acknowledged that sustainability remains a legal and political obligation under EU law, but argued that economic survival must carry equal weight. She said that the fishing sector cannot be expected to absorb continual regulatory tightening without corresponding adjustments to opportunity and support.
During the interview, she also referred to the impact of Brexit on Ireland’s fishing industry, noting that changes to access arrangements and quota shares have compounded existing pressures. She suggested that Ireland must be more assertive in negotiations where national interests are at stake.
Call For Broad Industry Participation
Ní Mhurchú urged members of the fishing community, producer organisations and associated businesses to participate in the meeting, stressing that broad representation will strengthen Ireland’s position in future discussions at EU level.
She maintained that the objective is not preferential treatment but fairness and recognition of Ireland’s position as a coastal state with significant waters and a long-established fishing tradition.