Fischler eases fears over access to Irish fish stocks

The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Commissioner has allayed fears of Irish fishermen by saying he is not in favour of foreign vessels having unrestricted access to Irish waters.

Area extends for 50 miles from the Irish coast and was initially agreed upon to protect Irish fish stocks from Spanish boats

Mr Franz Fischler said he was not in favour of a moratorium on fishing within the so-called "Irish Box" to preserve fish stocks. However, there will have to be huge reductions in cod fishing in order to prevent the species from dying out completely, he warned.

The Commissioner noted that according to EC legal advice, the "Irish Box" - which extends for 50 miles from the Irish coast and was established in 1985 to protect Irish fishermen from competition from Spanish boats - has no legal basis.

"It is out of the question that we can give full access to everybody," he said, but warned that a compromise must be sought that drew agreement from all member states. "The Commission's objective will be to ensure that ... discriminatory restrictions are removed while preventing an increase in fishing effort and preserving fish stocks."

Mr Fischler told reporters that despite scientific and environmental advice that all cod fishing in the area should cease, he was exploring other options.

These would allow limited fishing for cod, haddock, whiting and similar species, provided that EU fisheries ministers can agree on a recovery plan for cod by early next month. This plan would require significant reductions in catches and tougher enforcement and controls.

"There is no doubt that there will be difficult times ahead for cod fishermen," he said. "But we need harsh measures now, because I don't want the fishermen to be traumatised now, like those in Canada ten years ago where the cod simply disappeared."

Representatives from the Irish fishing industry would be invited to Brussels to offer their opinions on the best policy for protecting stocks, he added.

Blockades by protesting fishermen at Castletownbere, Co Cork, and Dingle, Co Kerry, began to disperse this evening.

Before meeting Mr Fischler this afternoon, the Minister for Communications Marine and Natural Rescources, Mr Dermot Ahern, said this morning the Government would continue to work with the Commission to find a compromise.

He said he had been advised by the Attorney General, Mr Rory Brady, that Ireland had "some very strong legal points" with which to fight any changes in legislation regarding Irish fish stocks.

The Minister said the Irish position was also being supported by Portugal, which also fears an influx of Spanish fishing vessels into its waters off the Azores.