Minister Heydon highlights concern on 2026 fishing quotas
- Foilsithe: 12 Samhain 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Samhain 2025
This morning, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, highlighted the challenges facing the fishing and seafood sector in 2026.
Minister Heydon commented:
“I updated Government colleagues this morning on the difficult situation facing the Irish seafood sector in 2026. The scientific advice which is used to set Total Allowable Catches for each species has been published and the impact on Ireland is significant.
“The scale of the reduction in Total Allowable Catch recommendations is deeply concerning and will significantly impact on the Irish Seafood sector. These reductions not only impact fishing boat operators but include the whole value chain in the seafood sector, particularly for fish processors with a loss of raw material and ancillary services who support the industry around the coast.
“Along with Minister of State, Timmy Dooley TD, my officials, and with assistance from Bord Iascaigh Mhara we will assess all and any supports that may be available to the seafood sector in the context of state aid rules and future available funds and will update the Government in due course.”
Notes to Editor
Recent scientific advice, which informs “Total Allowable Catch” and quota setting across EU member states has indicated a significant cut in quota for species of significant importance for the Irish fishing fleet and processing sectors. Proposed reductions of 70% in mackerel and 20% in Dublin Bay prawns and langoustines, two of Ireland’s most valuable species, will severely impact the viability of affected operators.