The IFPEA has expressed frustration with the EU’s “passive” stance in negotiations, criticising its failure to defend member states that rely heavily on mackerel. “The EU’s inaction in the face of Norway’s overfishing has left our stocks in a perilous state,” Byrne asserted, adding that Norway’s exploitation of over 200,000 tonnes of blue whiting in Irish-EU waters is exacerbating the crisis.
The IFPEA argues that the EU should deny Norway access to Irish-EU waters until it reduces its mackerel quotas. “Our fishing grounds are not a tradable commodity,” Byrne said. “The EU must show resolve against these rogue practices, not only to protect mackerel stocks but also to safeguard future sustainability.”
Byrne also urged other EU member states to recognise the threat to their fisheries, calling for “complete solidarity” in challenging these destructive practices. He criticised the UK’s role in enabling inflated quotas, saying that unilateral or bilateral agreements cannot replace a fair, sustainable sharing arrangement.
“The entire Irish fishing industry stands united in challenging the decimation of mackerel stocks,” Byrne concluded. “We need the EU’s support to ensure that all member and coastal states can fish sustainably into the future.”