The Donegal Mackerel Fishery

Abstract

Irish Mackerel landings have increased dramatically, from less than 2,000 tonnes in 1970 to nearly 30,000 tonnes in 1978. The development of this fishery can be ensured only if a satisfactory management plan is drawn up. To provide the basis for such a plan a major investigation of the Donegal stocks was launched by the Department of Fisheries in 1978 and will continue for some years. At the same time the fishery scientists of other countries are studying other parts of the same mackerel stock and their results are discussed at an annual meeting in Copenhagen. These results are the basis for the total allowable catch imposed by the EEC.