Blog Posts

KFO welcomes 41% boost in 2020 mackerel quota

10/17/2019

Scientific advisory group rectifies previous errors

Irish pelagic fishermen have been given a timely and welcome boost with negotiations around next year’s mackerel catch providing for a 41% increase in quota for 2020.

The development has been welcomed by Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation CEO, Seán O’Donoghue who said the conclusion of this week’s coastal states meeting in London has resulted in a very satisfactory tripartite agreement reached between the EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands.

The Irish quota for 2020 is 78,054 tonnes which represents an increase of 22,740 on this year’s quota of 55,314 tonnes.
“Last year, I was extremely critical of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea or ICES and its scientific advice. That criticism was proven 100% accurate since an ICES review on May 15th last provided for an overall figure of 770,358 tonnes for 2019 instead of 318,403 tonnes and now a further increase for 2020 to 922,064 tonnes, a figure which is an incredible increase of almost 190% on the advice it had offered in September of 2018."

“I’m extremely pleased that the Coastal States have taken on board the concerns of the KFO and others, which I have expressed regularly in numerous fora regarding the lack of quality assurance in the ICES assessment process by including a specific written reference to this in the final document”, said Mr O’Donoghue.

The KFO CEO said he fully agreed with the criticism leveled at Iceland, Russia and Greenland at the meeting by the EU, Norway and the Faroes for their decisions to increase their unilateral quotas for mackerel for 2019. In the case of Iceland, it increased from 107,000 tonnes to 140,000 tonnes. As a result, the share of the Icelandic unilateral quota has effectively increased to 21.5% of the overall Total Allowable Catch (TAC). Since 2014, they have had an average unilateral TAC of 16.5% - well in excess of the amount set aside for the three parties outside the agreement, namely Iceland, Russia and Greenland. It is not acceptable that Iceland, Russia and Greenland act in such irresponsible manner and put the sustainability of the healthy mackerel stock in jeopardy. An appropriate set of actions must be put in place to stop this continuing.

Mr O’Donoghue concluded by acknowledging the pivotal role played by Minister Michael Creed and his officials in delivering this favourable outcome.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
087 419 6535

Fisheries aid package “welcome but not what’s wanted”

10/8/2019

A €14million fisheries aid package, to be distributed in the event of a ‘No-deal’ Brexit, announced in Budget 2020 has been met with a lukewarm response from KFO CEO, Seán O’Donoghue.

“While any funding directed into fisheries would typically be welcomed, this is a horse of a different colour. In essence, this is effectively a glorified redundancy payment for many of our members who have put their hearts and souls into developing businesses in the most hazardous and challenging work environment on earth. Moreover, it would be available for a very limited time only thereby ignoring the long-term, grim, commercial ramifications on our industry, of Britain exiting the EU without a deal,” said Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, CEO, Seán O’Donoghue.

“State aid rules would also have to be amended in order for the package to be drawn down. We implore an orderly transition on November 1st in the event that a deal cannot be agreed between Britain and the EU. Should Irish and other EU fleets be denied access to UK waters after midnight on October 31st next, there will be flash points all across Europe in scenes potentially reminiscent of the cod wars of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘70s,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.

Barnier commits EU support to EUFA

9/25/2019

The EUFA delegation including Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation CEO, Seán O’Donoghue which met EU Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier in Brussels

EU fisheries’ concerns highlighted to Chief Brexit Negotiator

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has expressed his confidence that EU Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier, is unequivocally supportive and committed to working for the European fishing fleet as Brexit fast approaches. Seán O’Donoghue was part of a European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) delegation which met Mr Barnier in Brussels this afternoon [September 25th].

Speaking following the meeting, Mr O’Donoghue said he was very pleased with the frank and very constructive exchange of views as well as Mr Barnier’s unwavering commitment to achieving a balanced Brexit agreement that lays the foundations for a strong future relationship.
“There is a deep appreciation by Mr Barnier and his team of the major issues facing the industry in both a “Deal” and “No-Deal” scenario,” said the KFO CEO.

“We emphasised that even if the withdrawal agreement and/or the political declaration were to be amended in this final phase, the close linkage between fisheries and the wider trade relationship is essential. Mr Barnier fully supported this linkage. Negotiating our future relationship in fisheries in the overall context of the Future Trade Agreement (FTA) is of paramount importance to maintain existing access to fishing waters and existing resource allocations and must therefore be addressed in the overall political context.”

Mr O’Donoghue continued: “Should Irish and other EU fleets be denied access to UK waters after midnight on October 31st next, there will be flash points all across Europe in the Irish Sea, North West of Donegal, off the South East Coast of Ireland, the English Channel and in the North Sea in scenes potentially reminiscent of the cod wars of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘70s.

“Legal uncertainty at sea would have grave consequences for the sustainability of shared stocks. The current joint fisheries management framework is working and has greatly improved sustainability of shared species.”
“As a former French Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Michel Barnier understands all-too-well what could lie ahead”, concluded Mr O’Donoghue.

He stressed that it wasn’t too late to avoid a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and reiterated his assertion that the one industry which is completely and uniquely exposed to anything other than an orderly transition, is the Irish fisheries sector. Last year, our seafood industry was valued at €1.25billion employing more than 14,300 people with this economic footprint predominantly in rural, coastal locations.

ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

KFO warns of port blockades and widespread chaos

9/17/2019

“A ‘no-deal’ Brexit will bring flash points and conflict at sea” – KFO CEO

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has issued a stark warning that failure to achieve an orderly Brexit will precipitate “chaos and conflict at sea” with port blockades across Europe being a very real prospect.
Seán O’Donoghue also stated that should Irish and other EU fleets be denied access to UK waters after midnight on October 31st next, there will be flash points all across Europe in the Irish Sea, North West of Donegal, off the South East Coast of Ireland, the English Channel and in the North Sea in scenes potentially reminiscent of the cod wars of the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘70s.
“Some years ago, trucks were indiscriminately burnt out in France during an agricultural dispute which had nothing to do with us. Mark my words, French fishermen won’t stand on ceremony and port blockades which would deny access to all fish, fishery products as well as other products irrespective of origin and the resultant disorder, chaos and most likely violence, will not be pretty. We got a taste of what can happen at sea last year with a scallop dispute between UK and France in the Channel.
This really cannot be what people want. The situation would be uncontrollable with almost 3,000 kilometres of a ‘water border’ to be policed and the potentially devastating consequences for fleets which would have to be tied up. The reaction of the French will be the acid test, they won’t respond favourably to being denied access to UK waters but neither will the Irish and the other EU fleets which have traditionally fished in UK waters. “Ultimately, it would be the death knell for many coastal fishing communities with the demise of the Irish seafood sector to the tune of between 30% and 50% and projected job losses of between 30% and 40% in the fishing industry here,” said Mr O’Donoghue.
He stressed that it wasn’t too late to avoid a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and emphasised the importance of maintaining the link between fisheries negotiations and the Future Trade Agreement as well as sound science-based fisheries management. Even in a no deal, we have to avoid this mayhem at sea and ashore. The EU offer to apply the status quo in the short-term provided it was reciprocated by the UK, would go a long way avoiding this immediate chaos.
Mr O’Donoghue reiterated his assertion that the one industry which is completely and uniquely exposed to anything other than an orderly transition, is the Irish fisheries sector. Last year, our seafood industry was valued at €1.25billion employing more than 14,300 people with this economic footprint predominantly in rural, coastal locations.
“The Brexit process has been a harrowing and grim journey for fishermen. Like a teacher without a classroom or a taxi-driver without a vehicle, our fishermen are staring into the abyss of being unable to access the waters which provide on average more than 30% of their catch. This average masks the reliance we have on UK waters for mackerel (60%) and nephrops (40%) which are two main money “spenders” for the industry. It’s very hard to get one’s head around the fact that waters to which we have enjoyed access, could soon be out of bounds with no physical wall nor barrier in place.
“In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, we have been working diligently to keep fisheries high on the agenda of the negotiators which has been a seismic job of work. I must acknowledge the key role played by the Irish Government, particularly the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Minister Michael Creed in tandem with EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier and their respective officials in listening and acting on the concerns of the fishing industry. The complexities of the massive challenge facing our industry was also raised with British PM, Boris Johnson in Dublin last week.
“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. We must move might and mane to avoid a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and the ramifications which this would have for our sector,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

KFO welcomes crucial re-evaluation of mackerel stock size

4/5/2019

Revised 2019 ICES scientific advice must be issued as a matter of urgency - KFO

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO), Seán O’Donoghue has welcomed a report which has vindicated the position taken by the KFO regarding mackerel stocks and the sustainability of the fishery.

The report, published by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), constitutes a thorough re-evaluation of mackerel information particularly the mackerel tagging information.

Commenting on the recent publication of the new ICES mackerel inter-benchmark report, Mr O’Donoghue stated: “The new information which has come to light shows a major change in the perception of the stock and proves the KFO’s comments when ICES advised a massive 68 % cut last year, were wholly accurate and fully justified. It now transpires that the stock size is much larger than ICES advised in September of last year. We are now dealing with 4.16 million tonnes of a stock size as opposed to 2.35 million tonnes, as ICES had informed us last autumn. In December last, I highlighted that the ICES advice stated this fishery had been declining since 2011 which was totally contrary to the entire fishing industry view. The new report shows a completely different picture with the mackerel stock continuing to increase in size until 2015 and still at a very high level well above the reference points.”
“Moreover, I said unequivocally that I was very concerned that ICES didn’t have a fit-for-purpose quality assurance system in place and called for the issue to be addressed. This new information is a thorough vindication of our position and while overdue I am glad to say significant progress has been made on quality assurance issue but still a long way to go., The next crucial step is that ICES issues revised 2019 mackerel advice as a matter of urgency in light of this major upwards revision in the data,” said Mr O’Donoghue.

He concluded by commenting that there is also a much higher recruitment than included in the ICES advice last September as well as a lower fishing mortality.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O'Donoghue
087 4196535

KFO extremely concerned at latest UK Brexit developments

3/21/2019

“A disorderly Brexit would damage Irish fisheries irreparably” – KFO CEO

Responding to last night’s developments in the House of Commons, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation CEO, Seán O’Donoghue said his members and the wider fishing industry was in a heightened state of anxiety about what the UK’s next steps might be.

“We’ve been beating this drum for a long time in stating that the seafood and fishing industries are uniquely exposed given the sharing of fishing grounds with the UK. The Department of the Taoiseach reiterated last night that all of the important commercial fish stocks which we rely on are shared with the UK and approximately one third of all landings of fish by Irish vessels come from UK waters. An orderly Brexit is imperative, otherwise we face chaos and conflict on the high seas in the very near future not to mention the major conflict issues around exports and landings. We cannot countenance this happening and in the event of ‘no-deal Brexit’, we must at a minimum, maintain the existing access and quota sharing arrangements until the end of 2019 as covered in the recent Commission’s proposal.

“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss. We’ve worked tirelessly on this for almost two years, we’ve achieved a great deal in terms of commitments in both the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration only to be now faced with this latest shambles in Westminster. The situation is much too serious to be playing politics with the livelihoods of Irish fishermen,” stated CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Seán O’Donoghue.

Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

KFO welcomes Commission’s contingency proposals

1/23/2019

“Europe has listened to Irish fisheries concerns regarding ‘no-deal’ Brexit” - KFO

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has welcomed today’s European Commission's two legislative proposals to help mitigate the disastrous impact a “no-deal” Brexit could have on Irish fisheries, at least for 2019.

Seán O’Donoghue said while the reprieve is only temporary in nature, it is an important step to avoid catastrophe on the fishing grounds on March 30th next. Maintaining the status quo for 2019 in terms of access and quota share is to be welcomed. Nonetheless, he said he remains optimistic that a deal can be reached but it’s imperative that mitigation measures must be developed in the background lest an agreement not transpire as hoped. The sector sustains 14,500 jobs and is worth €1.15 billion to the Irish economy.

“In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, we have been working diligently to keep fisheries high on the agenda of the negotiators which has been a seismic job of work. I must acknowledge the key role played by the Irish Government, particularly the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Minister Michael Creed in tandem with EU Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier and their respective officials in listening and acting on the concerns of fishing industry.

“While we have made good progress to safeguard our members’ livelihoods in a post-Brexit trade deal scenario, it is crucial that we do not take our eye off the ball and continue to press Britain to maintain the current levels of reciprocal access to waters and markets, as well as sound science-based fisheries management.

“Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops (40%) (or prawns) are hugely dependent on access to UK waters with the overall dependency for all stocks of over 30%. Maintaining reciprocal access to waters and resources need to be at the heart of the post-Brexit relationship in fisheries given the historic ties and inextricable links between our countries and industries.

Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss albeit we have a temporary reprieve until the end of 2019. We must move might and main to avoid a ‘no-deal’ Brexit and the ramifications which this would have for our sector,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.

Fishermen seek Brexit mitigation measures

1/17/2019

KFO remains hopeful that UK can reach Brexit deal

As the UK meanders chaotically out of the EU, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has called for a suite of mitigation measures for fisheries to be spelled out clearly by the Irish Government in the event of a hard Brexit, something which hasn’t been presented in any detail anywhere heretofore.
The producer organisation appealed to the Government to move might and main to ensure the best interests of a sector which sustains 14,500 jobs and is worth €1.15billion to the Irish economy, are vigorously protected.

KFO Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue stated: “It is high time that we had sight of a tangible plan which would chart the future direction of the Irish industry in the event of a hard Brexit. The importance of this is underlined by the fact that Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops / prawns (40%) are massively dependent on access to UK waters with the overall percentage of stocks currently fished from UK waters by the Irish fleet standing at more than 30%. We cannot countenance a situation whereby this access might stop at 11pm on March 29th next due to a hard Brexit. The events of this week notwithstanding, we believe a deal can still be reached in London.

“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice which is getting every closer with every passing day and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss.
“While we had been quite encouraged by the first tranche of documents delivered by the negotiating teams and subsequently approved by the UK cabinet in December, the lack of tangible progress since then, is most alarming. While the problem is very evident and has been since June 2016, we in fisheries, are now calling for real mitigation measures. The stakes are quite simply too high for this to be ignored any longer,” stated Mr O’Donoghue.

Concluding, Mr O’Donoghue said that there is still a majority in the UK Parliament against a no-deal situation and it is imperative that such a scenario is avoided.
The European Fisheries Alliance has this week, also called upon the European Commission and the Member States to prepare all necessary steps to mitigate the impact of such a situation on its fleets, communities and fisheries resources. It expressed hope that both sides are able and willing to turn their attention to developing and agreeing on a future and comprehensive bilateral fisheries and trade agreement on the basis of the agreement reached between EU and UK negotiators in November 2018.

The European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) was established less than two months after the British vote to protect the interests of fleets from national organisations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. The alliance accounts for over 18,000 fishermen and 3,500 vessels with an annual turnover €20.7 billion.

‘No-deal Brexit’ would be unmitigated disaster for Irish fisheries

12/20/2018

KFO extremely concerned at consequences of potential Hard Brexit

Following publication of the Irish Government’s ‘contingency action plan’ for a no-deal Brexit, the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) has warned that the ramifications of such an outcome in March next would be apocalyptic for the Irish industry.
KFO Chief Executive, Seán O’Donoghue stated: “Ireland’s two biggest fisheries, mackerel (60%) and nephrops / prawns (40%) are massively dependent on access to UK waters with the overall percentage of stocks currently fished from UK waters by the Irish fleet standing at more than 30%. We cannot countenance a situation whereby this access might stop at 11pm on March 29th next due to a hard Brexit.
“Whereas fish are mobile and know no borders nor bear any nationality, our trawlers don’t have this luxury and must obey boundaries and exclusion zones. Our industry is standing on the edge of a precipice and everything that we have strived for and developed for generations is staring into the abyss. Page 53 of the Government’s contingency plan states that ‘A critical issue for the fisheries sector in Ireland, and a number of other EU Member States, is the maintenance of reciprocal access to fisheries waters and resources.’
“While we had been quite encouraged by the first tranche of documents delivered by the negotiating teams and subsequently approved by the UK cabinet last month, we are now very concerned in light of more recent developments – or lack of developments - in the UK that there is a real possibility of a hard Brexit. We are talking about a €1.15 billion Irish seafood sector which sustains 14,500 jobs here,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.
Only this week, the European Council of Fisheries Ministers, in reaching agreement for the 2019 fishing opportunities, made a clear and unequivocal statement that TAC and quota arrangements apply for the entire 2019 calendar year, irrespective of what happens with Brexit. However should Britain’s House of Commons fail to agree a deal, all this is rendered null and void.
ENDS
Further information:
Seán O’Donoghue
(087) 4196535

KFO welcomes 30% increase in whitefish quotas for North West fishermen

12/18/2018

Workable solution found for ‘Landing Obligation’

The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation has acknowledged the outcome of the Council of Fisheries Ministers, which finished early this morning, as generally positive in the circumstances with a workable solution adopted to the landing obligation thus avoiding the potential for early closures of a large number of fisheries. However, its CEO, Seán O’Donoghue said it again underlines the imperative to have guarantees around fisheries honoured with Brexit continuing to cause major turbulence in the industry.
Achieving an overall increase of 30% in whitefish quota, including Rockall Haddock (+92%), and monkfish (25 %) in for the North West will provide improved fishing opportunities for whitefish fishermen in Donegal. There are also significant increases in Haddock (+20%) Cod (+16%) and sole 394% in the Irish Sea and Haddock (+20%), Hake (+28%) and Megrims (+47%) in the Celtic Sea. Mr O’Donoghue welcomed these as “very significant wins and reflects the importance of the industry working towards an overall sustainable outcome for the sector.”
Commenting at the conclusion of the Council in Brussels this morning, Mr O’Donoghue said: “These were without doubt the most challenging negotiations which Irish fisheries have ever faced, since a hard Brexit potentially throws everything we have agreed into disarray. Of major concern to the KFO and the wider industry, was the landing obligation which will enter its final phase on the 1st January 2019 when all species subject to TACs and quotas become subject to Article 15 of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Implementation of the landing obligation, as laid out in the Commission’s proposals, would have had large negative consequences for Ireland’s whitefish and pelagic sectors as the “choke species” factor could have triggered the closure of most fisheries in the early months of 2019. The prospect of “choke species” paralysing the Irish fishing industry was a very credible threat with knock-on effects for a vast array of sustainable fisheries, hitherto able to function normally, being caught in the slip-stream. I am glad to say the Council has adopted a workable solution to the “choke” situation with the allocation of by catch quotas to the Member States for the five stocks where a zero TAC was set.
“In terms of pelagic quota, there are increases in western horse mackerel 18% and Atlanto Scandia herring 35%. It was not all good news as there is a 20% reduction in mackerel which we knew in advance of Council as it was agreed by EU/Norway/ Faroes at the end of last month. Unfortunately, this 20% reduction is based on what I firmly believe is erroneous scientific advice. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice stated this fishery had been declining since 2011 which is contrary to the entire fishing industry view. This is yet another major mistake in the mackerel advice not to mention the mistakes made last year and again this year on Atlanto Scandia herring. I am very concerned that ICES does not have a fit-for-purpose quality assurance system in place. This must be addressed as matter of urgency. There have been far too many mistakes over the last number of years and it is undermining confidence in the scientific advice. At least, ICES has now agreed to carry out a re-evaluation of the mackerel advice in early 2019,” said Mr O’Donoghue.
“The reduction of 32 % in nephrops in area VII is large but is partly mitigated somewhat by the exemption from the landing obligation. Taking this into account the reduction is in line with scientific advice of 17%.
“I would like to recognise the role and commitment of Minister Creed and his officials in working closely with us, taking on board our concerns and delivering a sustainable and economically viable package of measures for 2019,” concluded Mr O’Donoghue.

ENDS
Further information:
Seán O'Donoghue
087 4196535

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KFO welcomes 41% boost in 2020 mackerel quota

Scientific advisory group rectifies previous errors

Fisheries aid package “welcome but not what’s wanted”

Barnier commits EU support to EUFA

The EUFA delegation including Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation CEO, Seán O’Donoghue which met EU Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier in Brussels

EU fisheries’ concerns highlighted to Chief Brexit Negotiator

KFO warns of port blockades and widespread chaos

“A ‘no-deal’ Brexit will bring flash points and conflict at sea” – KFO CEO

KFO welcomes crucial re-evaluation of mackerel stock size

Revised 2019 ICES scientific advice must be issued as a matter of urgency - KFO

KFO extremely concerned at latest UK Brexit developments

“A disorderly Brexit would damage Irish fisheries irreparably” – KFO CEO

KFO welcomes Commission’s contingency proposals

Fishermen seek Brexit mitigation measures

KFO remains hopeful that UK can reach Brexit deal

‘No-deal Brexit’ would be unmitigated disaster for Irish fisheries

KFO extremely concerned at consequences of potential Hard Brexit

KFO welcomes 30% increase in whitefish quotas for North West fishermen

KFO News

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Scientific advisory group rectifies previous errors

The EUFA delegation including Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation CEO, Seán O’Donoghue which met EU Chief Brexit Negotiator, Michel Barnier in Brussels

EU fisheries’ concerns highlighted to Chief Brexit Negotiator​

“A ‘no-deal’ Brexit will bring flash points and conflict at sea” – KFO CEO​

Revised 2019 ICES scientific advice must be issued as a matter of urgency - KFO​

“A disorderly Brexit would damage Irish fisheries irreparably” – KFO CEO​

KFO remains hopeful that UK can reach Brexit deal

​KFO extremely concerned at consequences of potential Hard Brexit ​

KFO News

Archives

Categories

EU fisheries’ concerns highlighted to Chief Brexit Negotiator

“A ‘no-deal’ Brexit will bring flash points and conflict at sea” – KFO CEO

Revised 2019 ICES scientific advice must be issued as a matter of urgency - KFO

“A disorderly Brexit would damage Irish fisheries irreparably” – KFO CEO

KFO extremely concerned at consequences of potential Hard Brexit