Ireland's Mackerel quota for 2023 is 52,385 tonnes. In 2022, vessels in the largest category in the RSW Pelagic segment received a catch limit of 2,655 tonnes per vessel. There are eight vessels in this category. In 2022, 400 tonnes was made available to vessel under 15m fishing for mackerel by means of hook and line and 171 tonnes to vessels under 18m fishing mackerel with trawls. There are approximately 1,178 vessels under 12m, commonly referred to as the inshore sector, 62 vessels 12m to 15m and 18 vessels 15m to 18m in length overall which could fish for mackerel.
The Deputy will be aware that the management arrangements for the State’s fisheries, including the Mackerel fishery, have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Pelagic stocks such as Mackerel are managed on an annual or seasonal basis with catch limits set based on allocation regimes developed over many years and related to historical catch records. Amendments to the mackerel policy in 2010 and 2017 were introduced following a full review and public consultation. The 2017 policy is currently subject to a legal challenge in the Courts.
In order to amend Mackerel Policy, I as Minister must be satisfied that there is satisfactory evidence of changed circumstances to justify a policy review. If I consider there is a case for review of any aspect of the policy, it would require due process, involving an assessment of all issues arising, including a full public consultation.
As you will appreciate, there has been, for the past 20 years or so, intensive competition within the industry for a higher share of the mackerel quota. The EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) provides for the transfer of 26% of Ireland’s mackerel quota to the UK by 2026. This will only increase demands for a higher share of Ireland’s Mackerel quota from all sectors within the fishing fleet.
Unfortunately, the situation is that if there is an increase in the Mackerel quota for any sector in the allocation made available, it must be taken from others who are already facing significant cuts under the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
There is currently no agreement within the fisheries sector for change from the current approach.
