The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is due to meet north-west fishing industry representatives in Dublin today to discuss the impact of new EU restrictions.
The talks will focus on the controversial "days at sea" restrictions on west and north-west whitefish vessels, as well as the threat to the Irish Box.
The Minister for the Marine, Mr Dermot Ahern, is returning this morning from a trade mission to the Czech Republic, and is expected to attend the discussions.
Representatives from the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation and the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation have been seeking the meeting with the Taoiseach since last December, and hope to win his support for alternatives to the new restrictions, including funding for a regional cod recovery plan and for more research.
The "days at sea" measure was introduced as part of stock recovery initiatives for cod, but relates to gear, rather than catch; thus it affects vessels which are not fishing for this species.
Smaller vessels are most affected by the restriction, which permits only nine days fishing per month - with two days allowed for steaming. Larger vessels can move to grounds further south, but the industry predicts this will have a devastating effect on the port of Greencastle, Co Donegal, which depends on landings.
British and Irish industry representatives have claimed the EU has a hypocritical approach to conservation, in failing to tackle the adverse effects of industrial fishing. However, the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, has met fishermen and has offered a state-funded aid package for those who may be forced to quit.
Introducing the restrictions last month, Mr Dermot Ahern, made it clear he was not happy with the measures. He maintains that 24 Donegal vessels will be affected.
However, Mr Sean O'Donoghue, of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, claims the figure is higher.
"We accept that there is a need for conservation, but this regulation makes no sense," Mr O'Donoghue said.
"We would prefer to see a modified recovery programme for cod in area VI on the model of the Irish Sea programme, and we also want a full financial package that covers loss of earnings and more scientific research."
