‘Crisis levels’ - Irish shops could face fish shortages as fishermen warn of ‘collapse’

Supermarkets and fish mongers across Ireland could face shortages of fish in the near future as fishermen have warned of stocks at “crisis levels”.

The Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) raised the issue at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs on Tuesday.

Their CEO, Aodh O’Domhnaill, made a presentation to the committee in which he outlined the key concerns of Irish fishermen.

He pointed out that despite occupying 12% of EU waters, Ireland receives less than 6% of EU fishing quotas.

He described the current situation as “a perfect storm” with key stocks at “crisis levels”, “created for the most part by the actions of others”.

New international scientific advice recommends drastic quota cuts for next year, including cuts of -70% on mackerel, -41% on blue whiting and -22% on boarfish.

READ NEXT: ALERT: Irish people warned of ‘highly infectious illness’ as Japan declares epidemic

Reacting to these potential quota cuts, Mr O’Domhnaill said: “Mackerel, our highest-value export, is now below safe biological limits.

“This is a direct result of years of unchecked overfishing by non-EU coastal states, including Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Russia.

“We repeatedly highlighted this overfishing to the EU to no avail. Now, Irish fishermen and coastal communities are paying the price for the rogue practices of others.”

He also highlighted the potential economic impact such quota cuts could have on Ireland.

“For Ireland, the economic stakes are enormous. Mackerel alone is worth €94 million in annual exports to premium European and Asian markets. A 70% cut could wipe out €66–80 million next year.

“When combined with reductions in blue whiting, boarfish, and whitefish, total losses across fishing, processing, and logistics could exceed €200 million in 2026.”

“If decisive action is not taken, Ireland’s pelagic and whitefish sectors - which
underpin our coastal economies and heritage - could collapse within a year, risking up to 2,000 jobs.”

Mr O'Domhnaill criticised the EU for its “inaction and diplomatic failure”, saying that Ireland is being “uniquely penalised for compliance while others are rewarded for overfishing”.

International scientists regularly study fish populations, reproduction rates, and ecosystem health to estimate sustainable catch levels.

The ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) gives advice to the EU on how to best distribute fishing quotas to its member states.

Ireland, as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), then receives its quota from the European Commission.

Such significant quota cuts look set to have an impact on the availability and prices of fish in Ireland, including in shops.

Reduced catches will likely mean less fish arriving in Irish ports and subsequently, arriving in Irish shops.

The IFPO has reiterated its calls for “immediate, decisive action” to address the issue.