Ireland’s fishing sector is bracing for what representatives call its toughest year ever, facing a one-third reduction in the national fish quota in 2026. The government is establishing a taskforce to support those affected as concerns mount over the impact of declining fish stocks and international fishing agreements.
Mackerel Quota Cuts Fuel Anger
The Seafood Ireland Alliance, a coalition of leading fishing and processing organizations, estimates that 2,300 jobs are at risk due to the quota reductions. The situation stems from scientific advice recommending reduced catches, coupled with the blocking of Hague Preferences – a safeguard for Ireland.
Minister of State for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Timmy Dooley is meeting with sector representatives in Killybegs, County Donegal, today. He announced that former Irish Farmers’ Association CEO Michael Berkey will chair a taskforce to develop a framework of supports for the seafood sector and coastal communities in the new year.
Dooley acknowledged the importance of a vibrant fishing sector for both communities and the wider economy. He explained that some key Irish fish stocks are at very low levels, prompting the International Council of the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) to advise reduced allowable catches across Europe.
Minister for the Marine Martin Heydon has stated that the scientific advice reflects the impact of overfishing of mackerel by Norway, Faroes, and Iceland. Dooley echoed this sentiment, noting the “particular source of anger” surrounding the overfishing of mackerel by those nations.
EU Response to Mackerel Overfishing
The EU has provisionally reduced the total allowable catch for mackerel – Ireland’s most valuable catch – by 70% for next year. The Irish Fish Producers Organisation estimates this could cut export value by €66 million in 2026, down from €94 million in 2025.
Ireland, holding the largest share of EU quota for mackerel in western waters, will “acutely feel” the impact of the stock’s decline. Dooley has consistently called for action against the countries overfishing mackerel and urged a “concerted EU response,” including triggering unsustainable fishing regulations to impose import restrictions.
Fresh tensions have arisen from a recent agreement between Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and the UK, setting mackerel catch limits 72% higher than recommended levels without consulting the EU. The European Commission expressed deep concern, stating the arrangement undermines the EU fishing industry and is occurring while the mackerel stock is already “unsustainable.”
Crisis in Killybegs and Calls for Support
Killybegs, Ireland’s largest seafood port, is expected to lose almost half of its fishing opportunities in 2026, according to the Irish Fish Producers Organisation. CEO Aodh O’Donnell welcomed Dooley’s visit as a sign of engagement during a “moment of real crisis,” but emphasized the industry faces an “existential threat.”
O’Donnell criticized the failure to invoke the Hague Preferences, designed to protect Ireland in such crises, due to opposition from France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. He described this as a “deep injustice and a dangerous precedent.”
Dominic Rihan, Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, stated that next year will be the toughest ever for the industry. Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Organisation, called for government prioritization of the fishing industry, emphasizing the need for support and sectoral reform.
Dooley highlighted the resilience of coastal communities and committed to a whole-of-government approach. He plans to develop a framework of supports through the Food Vision 2030 initiative, focusing on economic, environmental, and social sustainability for the fisheries and seafood processing sectors.
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