North West MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher says the sooner the EU allows decisions on fishing policy to be made on a regional level, the better. At present, region 6A off the North West coast of Ireland is closed as a cod conservation measure.
Mr Gallagher attempted to move an amendment in the parliament this week which would have allowed for fishing for species other than cod in the region, but it was defeated.
Mr Gallagher says the existing regulations are causing major problems for small, inshore vessels, which are being prevented from fishing for other species.
While he did win concessions on boarfish this week Pat The Cope Gallagher says the Area 6A issue is a vital one, which shows the importance of allowing more regional decision making………
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