Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:45 pm
Here's a little bit of food for thought. It's a point I copied from a post Jonathan Dukes (aka 'teacher') submitted to another thread on the site. I don't mean to come across as pessimist, I'm just being real. While a cut in any shape or form is keenly welcomed it's important to keep a view of the bigger picture. Anyway here's the point:
Following negotiations in Brussels there has been a cut in fish quotas. They have been cut as an average by 0.9%.
The EU commission, based on the best scientific advice available, which cost many hundreds of millions of Euros to assemble, recommended an average cut across all species of about 22%. This was recommended to try to preserve the stocks and therefore the long term future of those people whose jobs depend on them. The Minister and his Department ignored the commissions advice and dug their heels in coming away with virtually no cut at all. Once again short term concerns took priority over the long term future of those in the commercial sector and the long term protection of the fish stocks that belong to us all. The fact that the FIF were happy with the outcome must tell you something. Sadly the concerns of the small inshore fishermen who have the ability to fish in a sustainable manner have been ignored again.
Regards,
John D.