The European Parliament has today approved the Gallagher Report by an overwhelming majority in a major victory against countries over-fishing in Irish waters.
The Report, compiled by Donegal MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher, legislates for hard hitting sanctions against non EU countries engaged in unsustainable fishing practices.
Agreement is in place with the EU Fisheries Ministers and the Regulation will enter into force within a matter of weeks.
MEP Gallagher was appointed by the European Parliament to oversee the adoption of this significant piece of legislation aimed at protecting our common fish stocks.
Mr Gallagher said today “The legislation will enable the European Union to enforce measures against countries or territories, which blatantly disregard the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement.”
“The European Parliament has sent a clear and direct message to countries engaged in unsustainable fishing. The message is simple, overfishing cannot be tolerated and due to this new regulation, there are now significant economic consequences for countries engaging in overfishing.”
Mr. Gallagher also said “The Regulation may be used against any third country. However, the situation in the North East Atlantic with mackerel is of immediate concern.”
“These new measures are vitally important for Ireland’s EUR 125 million mackerel fishery, which is the backbone of the pelagic sector in Killybegs and the North West.”
“I would like to make one final appeal to all sides involved in the mackerel dispute to re-double their efforts and make every attempt to resolve this long running dispute. A realistic solution is in the interest of all sides but particularly the fishing sector, as ultimately no side will gain, not Iceland, not the Faroese, not the EU, not Norway, if we continue to fish above the recommended scientific advice.”
Mr. Gallagher concluded by stating “The passing of this important regulation by the European Parliament has strengthened the negotiating position of the European Commission ahead of the next meeting of the Coastal States in October.”
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