This is not surprising given that it is thirty-six months since the KFO first objected to the proposed designations as there was no alternative avenue through which to engage with NPWS. The KFO objection demonstrated the lack of scientific evidence underlying the proposals and clearly showed that the designations had not followed the prescribed process mandated by the regulations.

Twelve months after submitting the objection, the KFO was informed that the objection was rejected as objections could only be ‘considered on scientifically based ornithological grounds’. To the KFO, the NPWS was clearly confusing the SAC process, which is part of the EU Habitats Directive, with the EU Birds Directive Special Protection Area (SPA) process. Regardless, no other reason was given for the rejection and despite the KFO requesting further engagement, none was forthcoming leaving appealing to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board (DAAAB) as the only available option.

As part of the appeal process, the KFO was requested to compile a detailed report on the scientific basis of its objection. The KFO analyses uncovered a litany of errors, inconsistencies and misrepresentation of data and little support for the delineation of the proposed SACs. It also highlighted the apparent exclusion of areas with oil and gas exploration licences, licencing options, and petroleum leases from the designated areas despite irrefutable evidence of Reef habitat being present within them.

The NPWS was requested to produce a similar report for the DAAAB with the justification for the proposed designations. This report, which the KFO received and reviewed in late 2024, was little more than a general literature review and included an admission that Ireland does not currently have sufficient designations of Reef habitat to meet the EU requirements. The proposed designations appeared to be an attempt to meet the arbitrary threshold required regardless of the quality and availability of supporting evidence. Such extrapolation of underlying data to increase the spatial area undermines the validity of the process and inhibits positive and constructive engagement between the fishing industry and policy makers.

Since the DAAAB hearing in 2025 there has been silence from Minister Browne and NPWS on the DAAAB recommendations and the future of the proposed designations. Ultimately, the decision lies with them and they can decide to proceed with the designations, which are not based on scientific evidence,  or adjust the designations in line with the evidence presented. Their decision will be telling and comes at a critical juncture as Ireland develops its Nature Restoration Plan (NRP), starts the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) process and initiates the development of the National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE). Stakeholder support and participation will be key to the success of these important initiatives. Our experience as a stakeholder with the outcome of the offshore SACs process would not inspire confidence that stakeholders views actually matter.

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The Seafood Ireland Alliance has welcomed the establishment of the Task Force but warned that urgent delivery is now essential. The sector cannot afford further delay, warns Aodh O Donnell, of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO).

Major quota reductions for 2026, combined with ongoing instability in key stocks such as mackerel, Dublin Bay prawns and several whitefish species, have placed fleets, processors and marine service industries under severe strain. Coastal communities including Killybegs and Clogherhead are already feeling the impact.

The SIA say projections indicate first point of sale losses of €94 million this year, with a further €18 million linked to the EU’s failure to apply Hague Preferences. “More than 2,300 full-time equivalent jobs are at risk without swift intervention,” says Dominic Rihan of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation.

Action Plan — Not Another Process

Industry leaders say the Task Force must move quickly to develop a five-year strategic plan backed by Government and EU funding, with clear early implementation timelines.

Priority measures include fleet restructuring, quota optimisation, and coordinated tie-up schemes, says Patrick Murphy of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation. “We also need a review of quota management and licensing policies to allow consolidation in a commercially viable and carbon-efficient manner.”

Emergency economic and social supports are also required to help fleets and processors manage the immediate shock and transition sustainably.

Fairness and a Level Playing Field

Brendan Byrne of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association says the sector needs decisive leadership.

“The industry is under extreme pressure. The scale of quota cuts and continuing imbalances in shared stocks now threaten the viability of fleets, processors and the communities that depend on them.”

John Lynch of the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisations says the EU’s failure to invoke Hague Preferences has compounded the impact.

“That safeguard exists for circumstances like these. Its absence has intensified the economic shock facing Irish vessels.”

Aodh O Donnell adds that Irish fleets have consistently operated within scientific advice.

“We need a genuine level playing field on shared stocks such as mackerel. Sustainability cannot be one-sided. If Irish fishers are complying, others must be held to the same standard.”

He concluded that the Task Force must deliver practical outcomes.

“Our fishing communities are prepared to adapt and modernise. But they cannot continue to shoulder disproportionate losses while others benefit. The focus now must be on implementation.”

The industry reaffirmed its commitment to working with Government to secure a competitive, sustainable and resilient future for Ireland’s seafood sector.

The post Call for Urgent Action as Seafood Taskforce Convenes first appeared on Killybegs Fishermens Organisation.

SIA members met online with Commissioner Kadis on Thursday (12 February 2026), alongside Fine Gael’s Maria Walsh MEP and Senators Manus Boyle and Noel Donovan, who arranged and attended the meeting. The Alliance expressed its appreciation for the Commissioner’s time and engagement at what it described as a critical moment for the sector.

The discussion centred on the severe resilience challenges facing fleets. Brendan Byrne of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association said this included a focus on processing facilities and associated marine service industries, following major quota reductions for 2026, and continuing instability in key shared stocks.

Latest projections indicate potential first point of sale losses of €94 million with the loss of an additional €18 million in the failure for the EU to deliver Hague Preferences. It is feared that more than 2,300 full-time equivalent job losses if mitigating measures are not introduced.

Aodh O Donnell, of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), said the situation requires decisive political leadership.

“The Irish seafood sector is under extreme pressure. The scale of quota cuts, combined with long-standing imbalances in shared stocks, is now threatening the viability of fleets, processors and the communities that depend on them. We need urgent, practical intervention at EU level.”

A central issue raised was the EU’s failure to invoke the Hague Preferences mechanism in response to severe quota reductions. The Alliance argued that this safeguard is designed precisely for moments such as this and should be reinstated without delay.

Mackerel was also highlighted as a defining concern. Ireland remains the largest EU quota holder of Western mackerel, yet unilateral quota-setting by non-EU coastal states continues to distort the level playing field.

“Irish and EU vessels have consistently adhered to scientific advice,” O Donnell said. “But sustainability must apply equally to all. Securing a genuine level playing field on mackerel quotas is essential for the credibility of fisheries governance and the survival of our pelagic sector.”

Commissioner Kadis indicated that the mackerel level playing field issue is being addressed in bilateral processes with other coastal states and at the highest political levels. The Alliance welcomed this confirmation and stressed the need for tangible outcomes.

The meeting also examined the harmonised and realistic implementation of the new EU Control Regulation. SIA emphasised that practical application must reflect operational realities at sea and onshore and must not impose disproportionate burdens on compliant fleets. The Commissioner confirmed that a further meeting with EU industry representatives will take place to address implementation issues.

The Alliance underlined the urgent need for transitional measures and targeted economic supports to allow the sector to adapt to the cumulative impact of quota reductions, Brexit-related losses and regulatory change. Fleet restructuring options, emergency financial assistance and a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment were discussed as part of a broader resilience strategy.

SIA members participating in the meeting included Dr Edward Farrell of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Brendan Byrne of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association, Patrick Murphy of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, John Lynch of the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation, and Aodh O Donnell of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation.

The Alliance acknowledged the constructive role played by Maria Walsh MEP and Senators Manus Boyle and Noel Donovan in facilitating the engagement and advancing the sector’s concerns at European level.

“Our message is clear,” O Donnell concluded. “Irish fishers are prepared to adapt and operate sustainably. But they cannot continue to absorb disproportionate economic losses while others benefit. Europe must now act to restore fairness, resilience and confidence in the future of our seafood sector.”

The Seafood Ireland Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the Commission and Member States to secure a viable and sustainable future for Ireland’s fishing industry.

The post EU Commissioner Urged to act on Seafood Sector Crisis first appeared on Killybegs Fishermens Organisation.

The KFO is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Stephen McCahill, who over many years has had a long association with the fishing industry through Glenard Fish and latterly as Chair of the Donegal Fisheries Local Action Group North. Stephen also provided support to countless fishermen around the coast in the purchase of tonnage and KWs and was highly regarded in always putting his client’s best interests front and centre.  

The KFO express our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Marietta and children Gemma and Steven as well as to the extended family. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends as well as by all in the fishing industry who had the pleasure to work with him.

The post Stephen McCahill first appeared on Killybegs Fishermens Organisation.

The result is that there is still no clarity for the Irish pelagic industry on fishing opportunities for 2026, leaving fishing plans uncertain at a time when the fleet will struggle to survive with the huge quota cuts being faced. There is also deep concern in the KFO that the isolation of the EU will see the other parties continue to systematically overfish mackerel by setting unilateral, inflated TACs in excess of the scientific advice. This will be to the detriment of the stock and to the future of the pelagic industry.    

In addition to talks on mackerel management, the NEAFC meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss improved management of other pelagic stocks under the remit of NEAFC. However, to add insult to injury, outside of mackerel, some delegations chose to openly support the Russian Federation over the EU. They refused to agree on a proposed ban on transhipment of catches at sea put forward by the EU, as well as proposals put forward by the EU to reduce fishing in international waters. There was also no agreement on a sharing arrangement for blue whiting where once again several parties chose to protect Russian interests by voting against an EU proposal for sustainable management.  

The KFO believes the events in London at NEAFC show that diplomacy has not and will not solve the crisis now unfolding for mackerel. It is time for the EU to act and to apply targeted trade measures against third countries that do not cooperate in managing shared fish stocks as allowed for under recently adopted EU legislation.

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The Alliance — representing Ireland’s leading fishing and processing organisations — will outline the key steps needed to stabilise the industry and safeguard employment as the sector faces another difficult year. The delegation will call for immediate progress on Hague Preferences, emergency financial support, and a fleet restructuring programme to address the mounting pressures on the Irish fleet.

They will also urge MEPs to support a review of licensing and quota allocations, stronger representation for Ireland on the EU Pêche Committee, and fairer trade measures under Regulation 1026/2012 to ensure a level playing field for Irish operators. The Alliance will highlight the need for a comprehensive BIM impact analysis to quantify the effects of recent quota reductions, rising operational costs, and the ongoing imbalance in quota distribution since Brexit.

Aodh O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), said Ireland’s fishing communities are at a breaking point. “This meeting is about accountability and delivery. We need Ireland’s MEPs to champion immediate, practical support at EU level.”

“Coastal communities are running out of time,” said Dominic Rihan, CEO of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO). “Without targeted financial assistance and fair quota access, Ireland’s seafood sector faces irreversible damage.”

Patrick Murphy, CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisationsaid the Alliance’s proposals represent a clear and achievable roadmap. “Irish fishers must not continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of the burden of cuts in fishing opportunities and quota transfers to third countries. We need Europe to implement the measures at their disposal to restore balance”.

Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association said the Alliance “will also reaffirm its position that Ireland must secure zero access and zero transfer under the current EU–Norway negotiations, unless Irish fishing interests are fully protected.  These priorities are vital to re-establish fairness within the Common Fisheries Policy and to restore confidence in the future of the industry.

The meeting follows September’s initial engagement with Irish MEPs. “We aim to build unified political support ahead of the December Fisheries Council,” said John Lynch CEO of Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation, “where key quota and policy decisions will be finalised.”

The Seafood Ireland Alliance delegation comprises John Lynch (ISEFPO), Brendan Byrne (IFPEA), Patrick Murphy (ISWFPO), Dominic Rihan (KFO), and Aodh O’Donnell (IFPO).

The post MEPs Urged to Act on Fisheries Crisis first appeared on Killybegs Fishermens Organisation.

Stark scientific advice for key pelagic stocks released

KFO urges the Minister to support the industry

Amid much speculation, today ICES released stark scientific advice for several key pelagic stocks for 2026. The advice confirms the worst fears of Irish pelagic fishermen.  For three key pelagic species, ICES has advised massive cuts of 70% for mackerel, 41% for blue whiting and 22% for boarfish. Combined these cuts, if translated into fishing opportunities for 2026 will result in losses for the Irish industry of more than €50 million compared to 2024. Such an economic shock to any industry will test its resilience in the extreme.

Following from the worrying ICES advice in 2024, the latest assessment of the mackerel stock has shown further steep decline. There has been little or no recruitment of young fish into the stock with surveys showing egg production at the lowest ever recorded levels. Fishing pressure on older age groups of mackerel resulting in low numbers of large spawners remaining has also increased.

Taking stock, Dominic Rihan, CEO of the KFO said, “The dire state of mackerel lies firmly with those who have ignored the scientist’s warnings, continued to ramp up fishing pressure, building bigger boats with more capacity and justified their super profits with spurious sustainability arguments. EU fishermen have fished sustainably within their quotas and are now facing into a financial crisis”.  

Fishing effort in northern waters by several countries, notably Russia, on larger and older fish has continued to increase, particularly in the summer months when traditionally little fishing occurred. The advice shows a clear correlation between the increase in effort in this summer fishery in international waters and the sharp decline in mackerel biomass. There has been a marked reluctance to take any steps to curtail this fishery.  

Ciaran Doherty, chair of the KFO explained, “The increase in fishing effort in the summer months has wrecked the fishery. The number of Russian, Icelandic, Faroese and Greenlandic vessels operating in international waters has almost doubled. The Russians are being facilitated by foreign companies who are handling their fish with little or no monitoring. Now the science confirms what is plain to see – the stock is close to collapse”.

Mackerel is only part of the unfolding situation facing the Irish industry. ICES has also advised large cuts for blue whiting and boarfish. In recent years, catches of these two species have helped to soften the blow of the losses from the transfer of mackerel quota to the UK under Brexit.

Dominic Rihan said, “The advice is a perfect storm for our members with no alternative fishing opportunities available to them unlike other industries in other EU Member States and Coastal States. The scale of the losses we are facing requires urgent action at national and EU level if we are to survive”.

The scientific advice will be discussed by the Coastal States group of EU, UK, Norway, Faroes, Iceland and Greenland, that meet annually under the auspices of the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC). These negotiations in October are expected to be highly charged and agreeing on TAC levels that provide protection to the stocks, while maintaining a level of economic viability will be challenging. 

Ciaran Doherty concluded, “The situation has gone beyond words and negotiations that have constantly failed to deliver an agreement. We are calling on Minister Dooley to meet the industry urgently to discuss a tangible package of measures to support us through this crisis”.

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Seafood Ireland Alliance Slams Failure of Coastal States to Act

The Seafood Ireland Alliance (SIA) has warned that the future of Europe’s most valuable pelagic stock is in jeopardy after Coastal States once again failed to agree on a plan to save mackerel. Despite stark warnings from scientists on the state of the stock, negotiations in Clonakilty reached an impasse.

Over the last two days, representatives of the SIA attended the Coastal States negotiations involving the EU, UK, Norway, Faroes, Iceland and Greenland. The talks aimed to agree on how mackerel catches would be shared from 2026 onwards. But while the scientific body ICES has issued dire warnings about the state of the stock, no agreement was reached. Parties remained entrenched in their positions, despite strong efforts by the EU to inject urgency into the process.

The SIA, who attended the negotiations as observers, welcomed the EU’s firm stance in the talks. They said the EU delegation were the only party demonstrating a sense of urgency by calling for immediate agreement on measures to reduce fishing pressure. Patrick Murphy, chair of the ISWFPO, said the EU was right to call this an emergency. “We need an immediate, unified and responsible approach by all parties if the stock is to recover. Other parties, particularly Norway, seem in denial on the state of the stock, despite consistent scientific warnings to the contrary.

Norway, the Faroes and the UK rejected alternative proposals put forward by the chair for a short-term sharing arrangement as part of a recovery package. Instead, they pushed for a counterproposal that locks in inflated unilateral quotas, said the SIA. As part of this counterproposal, Norway and the Faroes would transfer part of their share to the UK, to maintain access to fish in UK waters.

Aodh O’Donnell of the IFPO said the so-called trilateral agreement was nothing more than a quota grab. “They present it as responsible, but in reality, it simply justifies consistent overfishing. That’s the truth our industry is living with.”

The EU also pressed for limits on Russian vessels fishing in international waters during the summer months. This year saw a surge in Russian effort, but with little or no monitoring of their catches. Dominic Rihan of the KFO said the scale of Russian activity is deeply worrying. “Their catching and freezing capacity far exceeds sustainable levels, yet we have almost no accurate figures on what they catch. The EU is right to raise the alarm. Claims by others that this is an exaggeration are simply preposterous.”

The SIA left Clonakilty with growing frustration at the lack of urgency and denial about the scale of the crisis. “Huge profits from overfishing have blinded some industries to reality,” said Aodh O’Donnell. “Meanwhile our fleet is facing bankruptcy next year without EU and Government support.”

Talks will resume in October, when the full extent of proposed scientific cuts will be known. The SIA hopes that by then, the stark figures may act as a catalyst for meaningful action.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Seafood Ireland was formed in 2024 and is an alliance of five fishing and processing bodies. These are the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO), the Irish South & West Fish Producer’s Organisation (IS&WFPO), the Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation (IS&EFPO) and the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association (IFPEA). The organisations are committed to working together to strengthen the voice of the Irish fishing industry.

The post Mackerel at Tipping Point first appeared on Killybegs Fishermens Organisation.

Seafood Ireland Alliance urges EU to ensure fairness in quotas, workable rules, and protection for coastal communities.

Brussels, 2nd Sept: The Seafood Ireland Alliance said its meeting in Brussels this week (this morning) with EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis was a crucial step in pressing for fairer quotas and workable fishing rules to protect coastal communities.

The delegation expressed satisfaction that Commissioner Kadis agreed to visit Ireland again to see first-hand the challenges our fishing industry is facing.

“We also secured a commitment from the Commissioner to follow up on a number of key strategic issues for our sector,” said Aodh O Donnell, Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO). “Ireland contributes hugely to Europe’s seafood, yet we do not get a fair share in return. We have 12% of EU waters but less than 6% of the quotas. The EU must now act.”

The Seafood Ireland Alliance said the meeting with Commissioner Kadis was an important step towards achieving greater fairness in quota talks and practical solutions on sustainability.

The meeting was facilitated by Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. Donegal Senator Manus Boyle, a long-standing supporter of the fishing sector, also attended.

The Alliance also noted the recent comments by Marine Minister Timmy Dooley following his meeting with Danish Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen in Copenhagen. Denmark currently holds the presidency for the EU Council of Ministers and will chair the negotiations on quotas in December. “It is welcome that Minister Dooley has raised the challenges of zero-catch advice and unsustainable practices by some non-EU states,” said O Donnell. “That recognition must now translate into EU-level reforms that work for Irish fishers.”

Dominic Rihan of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation said Ireland cannot afford more empty promises. “We need fairer quotas and workable solutions, especially on mixed fisheries in the Celtic Sea,” he said.

The Alliance has repeatedly highlighted that “zero catch” advice on cod, whiting and haddock — leading to small bycatch quotas — is unworkable. “Irish fishers need viable options, not impossible restrictions,” said Rihan.

Leaders also warned of wider threats. Overfishing by some non-EU states continues to undermine shared mackerel and blue whiting stocks. Rigid quota cuts likely for 2026 will damage processors and risk jobs in coastal communities. Additionally, the Hague Preferences remain essential to secure Ireland’s fair share of opportunities under the Common Fisheries Policy.

Brendan Byrne of the IFPEA stressed the economic impact. “When quotas are slashed without flexibility, processors cannot maintain throughput. The knock-on effect for jobs and exports is severe,” he said.

Patrick Murphy of the ISWFPO pointed to the imbalance. “Ireland has some of the richest waters in Europe, yet others take more from them than we do,” he said. “The EU must fix this imbalance.”

The Alliance welcomed the support of Maria Walsh MEP and Senator Manus Boyle, noting their presence demonstrated broad political backing for the seafood sector.

Seafood Ireland is an alliance of five organisations — IFPO, KFO, IS&WFPO, IS&EFPO and IFPEA — representing Ireland’s catching and processing sector.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Seafood Ireland was formed in 2024 and is an alliance of five fishing and processing bodies. These are the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO), the Irish South & West Fish Producer’s Organisation (IS&WFPO), the Irish South & East Fish Producers Organisation (IS&EFPO) and the Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association (IFPEA). The organisations are committed to working together to strengthen the voice of the Irish fishing industry.

The post Commissioner Meeting Crucial for Irish Fishing Industry first appeared on Killybegs Fishermens Organisation.

Seafood Ireland Alliance expresses disappointed with Government decision on 6 nautical mile ban

The Seafood Ireland Alliance (SIA) were disappointed but not surprised by Minister Heydon’s and Dooley’s announcement of the banning of trawlers over 18m in length inside the 6nm and baseline zones from October 2026. Whilst the ban is general and far reaching the true target is the sprat fishery, which has been the focus of recent public campaigns.

Despite repeated calls by the Seafood Ireland Alliance for the sprat fishery to be effectively and sustainably managed the government has instead opted to ignore the science and bow to populism.

A spokesperson for the SIA said, “Whilst the ban will exclude larger vessels it will do nothing to improve the science or the management of the sprat fishery and does not address the need for science-based management in our fisheries.”

The SIA recognises the need to improve how inshore waters are managed. But stress that Brexit has already put huge pressure on Irish boats—big and small—through lost quotas. “These new restrictions would only add to that pressure, without solving any of the underlining management issues in inshore fisheries”, the spokesperson said.

Further, he added, “This blanket ban will displace boats into whitefish and prawn fisheries already under pressure. It will also force those vessels that are barely over 18m further offshore to fish in adverse weather conditions, jeopardising the safety of fishermen on board”.

In reiterating the SIA’s disappointed with the Ministers decision, the spokesperson said, “The Government and the Department seem to believe those outside the industry carry more credibility than the fishing industry.  Constructive engagement with the whole of industry along with BIM and the Marine Institute leading to effective and long-term sustainable management would have been a far better approach”. 

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