Ireland Deepens Fishing Quota Row with Norway Over Blue Whiting Access

Ireland Takes Firm Stance in Fishing Quota Dispute

Ireland is embroiled in a deepening international dispute with Norway over proposed fishing quotas in European Union (EU) waters, particularly concerning access to blue whiting. Timmy Dooley, Ireland's Minister of State for the Marine, has issued clear instructions to Irish officials in Brussels to vote against Norway's continued access to this crucial fish stock.

Minister Dooley emphasized that 'it cannot be business as usual' and stated that Ireland 'cannot allow a state that has robbed us of our breakfast, lunch and tea to expect we should hand it something in return.' This firm position underscores Ireland's growing frustration with what it perceives as unilateral overfishing by non-EU coastal states.

Allegations of Overfishing and Drastic Quota Cuts

The core of the dispute stems from Ireland's accusations that Norway, alongside other non-EU coastal states such as Iceland and the Faroe Islands, has engaged in significant overfishing, particularly of migratory stocks like mackerel and blue whiting. This alleged overfishing has occurred against scientific advice, leading to severe consequences for fish stocks and, subsequently, for EU member states like Ireland.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has recommended drastic quota reductions for 2026, which have sent 'shockwaves and shivers through the industry.' These recommendations include:

• A 70% cut in mackerel quota
• A 41% (or 42%) cut in blue whiting quota
• A 22% (or 20%) cut in boarfish quota

These proposed cuts are projected to have a devastating impact on the Irish seafood sector, with estimates suggesting a potential loss of between €130 million and €150 million and thousands of jobs. The Irish fishing industry has described the situation as an 'economic Armageddon.'

Norway's Access and EU Negotiations

Historically, the EU and Norway have maintained bilateral agreements governing fishing opportunities and reciprocal access to waters. For 2024, an agreement saw the EU transfer 48,000 metric tonnes (MT) of blue whiting to Norway, granting Norway access to fish 150,000 MT of blue whiting in EU waters. However, Irish industry leaders have consistently voiced concerns that Norway gains disproportionately more access to blue whiting in Irish waters than Ireland itself.

Negotiations for 2025 agreements, finalized in December 2024, saw the EU agree to transfer 81,750 tonnes of blue whiting to Norway. However, a specific agreement on access for blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring remained unresolved, with consultations ongoing. Norway's interest in fishing blue whiting in Irish waters has been acknowledged by Norwegian officials, often in exchange for cod quotas in their own waters.

Ireland Calls for EU Action and Potential Sanctions

Minister Dooley has called for the European Commission to implement 'urgent and proportionate measures' against unchecked overfishing by non-EU countries. He has indicated a willingness to explore trade sanctions as a means to address the issue, stating he would 'certainly be happy to work with the industry to look at the trade option as a means to bring Norway to heel.' This stance has garnered support from some EU officials, with a former EU Fisheries Commissioner, Christos Kadis, reportedly backing the Irish position and highlighting the threat to sustainability and jobs posed by a lack of comprehensive sharing arrangements.

The Irish government is actively engaging with other departments and the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and European Commissioner for Fisheries to ensure Ireland's concerns are heard and robustly represented at domestic, European, and international levels.