The fishing sector has raised alarms over new EU regulatory measures set to take effect next year, saying they are unworkable and will lead to higher fish prices for consumers, reports RTE.
Fish producer groups representing 3,700 vessels from EU countries are attending the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) AGM, held this week in Killybegs.
EAPO President Esben Sverdrup-Jensen stated that there needs to be a balance between having an efficient and transparent regulatory framework and one so restrictive that it harms the industry’s ability to compete with non-EU rivals, reports RTE.
“I think that balance is on a knife-edge. We are looking at the possible introduction of a very cumbersome sampling system that will cost the processing money.
“It will make fish more expensive for consumers, and it might just force us to land in countries outside of the EU,” he said, reports RTE.
Those views were supported by Emiel Brouckaert, EAPO Secretary General and head of the Belgian fishing group Rederscentrale.
“At this point, there are so many challenges, it’s difficult to find an optimistic skipper or an optimistic owner of a vessel in many countries,” he said, reports RTE.
In Ireland, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service are tasked with overseeing fishing activity within the country’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone.
The SFPA said in a statement that it believes the upcoming measures, “as currently proposed, that are due to come into force in 2026 and 2027 are workable”, reports RTE.
The agency noted that Ireland has already implemented fish weighing rules under its Control Plan and that the new EU requirements will bring other countries in line with Ireland’s system.
A European Commission spokesperson explained that the upcoming regulatory changes are derived from the EU’s fisheries control regulation, reports RTE.
“They [the regulations] will help modernising the EU’s control system and reduce administrative burden for operators and Member States including through digitalising reporting requirements and data transmission,” the spokesperson said, reports RTE.
“The new rules will also provide a certain flexibility, for example, by extending deadlines — allowing for a gradual implementation reducing costs and avoiding unnecessary burdens.”
The Commission also said it has held “inclusive and intensive discussions” with EU nations and stakeholders to ensure the regulations are appropriate and practical, reports RTE.
Dominic Rihan, CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, acknowledged agreement with the SFPA on having a control plan but disagreed that the new EU proposals are viable.
“The levels of sampling, scrutiny and weighing is almost doubling without a guarantee that it will achieve the objectives set out, reports RTE.
“Our members want to fish responsibly and keep business here in Ireland, but they need workable rules that reflect the realities of fishing,” he said, reports RTE.
Aodh O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation, said Ireland’s current weighing policies are discouraging vessels from landing their catch in Killybegs.
“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,” reports RTE.
The town of Killybegs is already feeling the effects of reduced fish supply, which is hurting local businesses.
John Shine, Managing Director of Killybegs Catch Limited, said his family-run company has had to turn away new market opportunities due to limited fish availability, reports RTE.
Shine’s Seafood provides Irish albacore tuna, winter mackerel, and sardines.
“We have outgrown our supply and that’s causing a problem for us,” Mr Shine said, reports RTE.
“We did have opportunities to expand into the American market. They were really looking for Irish fish, but we had to walk away.
“We couldn’t secure a guaranteed supply of fish and that’s a problem going forward”.
Nearby, the Sean Ward Fish Exports facility — once a key processor in the town — has remained shut for months, reports RTE.
Kenny Ward explained that the factory typically employs up to 90 people during peak production periods.
“We should be a hive of activity,” he said, reports RTE.
“We’re in an empty factory, like many other factories in Killybegs. We haven’t had fish here since March. We want to be producing and providing employment in the local economy. The issue is twofold: a lack of quota and a lack of standardised equitable regulation across all of the European Union and the north Atlantic states”, reports RTE.
Meanwhile, the three-day EAPO gathering at the KFO headquarters in Killybegs comes ahead of the crucial 2026 quota talks scheduled for December.
Mr Rihan said there was “a real sense a nervousness” ahead of the upcoming negotiations.
“We don’t know the final numbers. Everyone in Killybegs is nervous and fearful of the cuts that may happen”, reports RTE.
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