European fishing leaders are meeting in Killybegs in County Donegal to discuss new EU rules that fishers fear will endanger the viability of their sector.
Delegates from 17 producer organisations across 10 EU member states are represented at the meeting including Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, France and Spain.
European Commission fisheries officials are also expected to attend.
The annual meeting of the European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) runs from today until Thursday.
The meeting is being hosted by the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO).
Central to the discussions will be the impact of the EU’s proposed new fisheries control regulations.
The European association and the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) say the rules are “threatening the sector’s future.”
Robust checks are seen as essential for sustainability and food security, ensuring fish stocks are protected whilst maintaining a stable supply of safe, low-carbon protein.
But the industry warns that that “controls must be workable and proportionate, otherwise they risk undermining both compliance and confidence across the sector.”
The EAPO is concerned that the proposed new EU controls will add costs and red tape instead of simplifying compliance.
“This system is broken,” said Aodh O Donnell, IFPO Chief Executive.
“Our ports should be magnets for landings, but the rules have had the opposite effect. Reform at EU level is urgently needed to restore confidence, competitiveness, and jobs in coastal communities.”
Dominic Rihan, KFO Chief Executive, added:
“Quotas, controls and sustainability must be workable. Our members want to fish responsibly and keep business here in Ireland, but they need workable rules that reflect the realities of fishing.”
The meeting in Killybegs comes ahead of crucial 2026 quota negotiations. Quotas for next year will be set by EU fisheries ministers in December.
The Irish industry says that ideas floating around for the next quotas are already “causing alarm”.