Gildernew attends Fisheries Council planning meeting in Edinburgh

Fisheries Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has participated in a December Fisheries Council planning meeting, in Edinburgh, with her English and Scottish counterparts.

Speaking afterwards the Minister said: “It is clear that we face difficult negotiations at this year’s December Fisheries Council, particularly on the main stocks in the Irish Sea. From recent meetings I understand very clearly the concerns of the local industry and today was an opportunity for all Ministers and stakeholders to discuss what the priorities should be for this year’s negotiations.

“I made it clear again that I will vigorously resist any proposed cut in the Irish Sea nephrops quota available to our local fleet in 2010. There is scientific evidence that the nephrops stock in the Irish Sea is stable and I want full account to be taken of this evidence, both by the ICES scientists and by the European Commission. Following today's meetings I also intend to meet my DAFF counterpart, Minister Killeen, in the next few weeks to discuss his plans for this year's negotiations."

As well as participating in the meeting with stakeholders Minister Gildernew had a separate meeting with Huw Irranca-Davies, the DEFRA Fisheries Minister, to brief him on the priorities for the local industry in this year’s negotiations.

While in Edinburgh the Minister also met Roseanna Cunningham, Scottish Government Minister for the Environment, to discuss their respective approaches to GM crops and biodiversity.

Notes to Editors

1. ICES is the International Council for Exploration of the Sea.

2. The December Fisheries Council will be held in Brussels on 14 and 15 December.

3. The proposals on fishing opportunities for 2010 are expected to be published by the European Commission later this month.

4. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.