EU fishery ministers have agreed to implement a ban on discards – the wasteful practice of dumping unwanted fish overboard so fishermen do not exceed their quotas.
Talks ran overnight, but ministers reached a “general approach” on the discard ban adopted in June last year as part of an overhaul of fisheries policy.
The key principle is that all fish caught will be landed, with none discarded, but fisherman will be granted leeway on existing quotas so that they can adjust over time to the new approach.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has called the agreement “a historic milestone”.
Donegal Deputy Joe McHugh has welcomed the move but says it should be used to trigger discussions to take place to ensure Donegal fishermen get a better deal on quotas:
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