The Government has proposed extending Ireland's coastal limit from 12 to 20 miles as one of several key reforms of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, writes Lorna Siggins.
Minister of State for Fisheries Tony Killeen has invited the EU maritime affairs and fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki to Ireland to meet the industry “in its own environment”.
The Greek commissioner will oversee the final stages of the fish policy reform for “blue Europe”, which is due to be put in place next year.
The extension of coastal limits and a complete ban on discarding vulnerable stocks under EU rules are among the main recommendations in Ireland’s submission for reform.
The Government is seeking retention of the current quota management system, and is rejecting mandatory “privatisation” of quotas or the introduction of international trading of same.