Write a commentThe County Down fishing fleet based at Kilkeel and Ardglass have had a welcome boost with recent EU negotiations resulting in an increased quota for cod, haddock, prawns, herring and plaice.
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Commenting on the outcome of the annual fish quotas species allocations negotiations in Brussels, South Down SDLP Constituency Representative and former MP, Margaret Ritchie said "Following two long days and nights of prolonged and sustained negotiations at the Annual Fisheries Council, I am pleased that there has been a good outcome for our local fishing fleets in Ardglass and Kilkeel which spells good news for sustaining our local economies in the fishing communities.
"I understand that all the Northern Ireland objectives were achieved and this proves beyond reasonable doubt that the Fish Producer Organisations and the fishermen have worked tirelessly with the Fisheries Scientists and also have made immense sacrifices in previous years when they lost out on what they should have got in terms of proper fish species allocations.,
The former MP continued "As a result of those successful negotiations there have been increased quotas for cod, haddock, prawns, herring and plaice, The proposals to reduce quota allocations for whiting and sole were removed as was the proposal to increase mesh size. This is a good result for sustaining the local fishing industry and our local economy,
"Congratulations to all those involved in these negotiations in Brussels: the Fish Producer Organisations and government representatives in both DEFRA, DAERA and the European Commission".
