Deputy Thomas Pringle has outlined the potential job losses that could result from any premature review of mackerel quota claiming “the looming uncertainty associated with Brexit and the huge dependency on mackerel fishing in parts of Donegal” as factors.
The Killybegs TD made his submission on the Department of Agriculture’s consultative review of mackerel quota policy.
He claimed “Sixty-five percent of Ireland’s mackerel quota is caught in the UK so if we end up with a hard Brexit, our access to British fishing waters could be restricted which would have a devastating impact on our mackerel fleet. My concern is that this would lead to massive job losses and increased unemployment opportunities for processing workers in the sector.
“I’m also concerned that any changes made to mackerel quota could lead to boats reducing their crew numbers in RSW Fleets as they adjust to uncertainty associated with changes to the quota. This is less so the case for polyvalent vessels as they have the option to fish other types of fish and can compensate for any loss of earnings from a reduced quota.
“Furthermore, the entire area of South and South West Donegal is dependent on mackerel for employment which has been in steady decline in the past number of years due to restriction in quotas and the modernisation of fish processing methods. Any further changes that might divert fish from the area would have a disastrous impact on employment and the ability of people to make a living in the area.”
“I am calling on the Minister for Agriculture to carefully consider my points made in the my submission and to have special consideration of the impact any change could have on the employment in areas of South and South west Donegal and the North West where key mackerel industries exist. ” concludes Pringle.
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