European Commission calls for tougher approach to 2008 fish quotas

In June the European Commission produced its policy statement setting out its views on fishing in 2008. This also focused on what conservation had been achieved since the 2002 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. While some long term plans are showing positive results many fish stocks remain outside safe biological limits. This has been because the total allowable catches (TACs) agreed each year are always higher than those recommended by scientists. These findings will put even more pressure on the negotiations at this year’s December’s Fisheries Council. To see the full press release please follow this link to the european institutions' press website .

Eel fishing in Northern Ireland: a way of life preserved

Northern Ireland eel fishermen sorting their catch

Lough Neagh and the Lower River Bann support the largest remaining commercial wild eel fishery in Europe representing 3% of the EU market and 25% of the total EU wild catch. The method of fishing for eel in Lough Neagh has remained unchanged for many years and provides a livelihood for some 300 Northern Ireland families.

The regulation to conserve the stocks of the European Eel was finally agreed in Brussels in June. The threatened ban on eel fishing was changed in favour of ways where countries can prove they are fishing in a sustainable manner. Eel management plans must be prepared by Northern Ireland to show that 40% of adult eel can escape to the sea to spawn. Eel will also be included in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered species (CITES) which will regulate the export of baby eels outside Europe to the Far East and means that more young eels will be available to restock European waters. For more information please follow this link to the European Commission's fisheries web page .