Debates

Thursday, 19 January 2023 - Strasbourg

Small-scale fisheries situation in the EU and future perspectives (A9-0291/2022 - João Pimenta Lopes)

  Mick Wallace (The Left). – Madam President, blue whiting are in our Irish waters at a time of year when they are in prime condition for food production and so close to our ports that Ireland needs to ensure that a fair and equitable access agreement is negotiated by the EU Commission with Norway. Irish fish that swim, spawn and breed in Irish waters need to be a benefit for the people of Ireland who are closest to the resource, as prescribed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Sadly, Irish fishing boats are allowed to catch no more than 3.9% of the stock in our own waters. It’s to be welcomed that Norway’s recent attempt to secure unfettered access to our blue whiting grounds has been challenged by the EU Commission. It’s long past time for Irish coastal communities to be given a fair share of the fish that’s born and bred in Irish waters. It’s only fair.