Representatives of the fishing industry in Donegal say the “industry is in crisis” and are calling on political parties to appoint a designated marine minister in the next government.
Chairperson of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation Ciarán Doherty said his crew will be “lucky to have two months fishing next year.”
HIs claims comes as Ireland is set to receive its lowest historical share of Europe’s mackerel quota since the formation of the EU.
Irish Fish Producers and Exporters Organisation CEO Aodh O’Donnell said next year mackerel fishermen are facing a 22% quota decrease, resulting in an €18 million loss in the value of landings at Killybegs Harbour, which is home to the national pelagic fleet.
Mr O’Donnell told RTE that the industry’s key electoral call is for a dedicated Minister for the Marine, stating that the current portfolio is “way too broad”.
“We need somebody to represent us full time in a ministry, to defend and negotiate because we’re very often walking away with the crumbs of the table at European level.
“We’ve the richest waters in Europe. We’ve got 12% of the waters, but less than 6% of the quota. Our neighbours are benefiting at our expense,” Mr O’Donnell said.
Mr Doherty added “We thought Brexit was bad enough when we lost 25% of our mackerel quota, but we’ve lost the same again in the last four years.
“Most of the crew were under 30 when I started fishing, now the average age is about 60 years of age.
“Unless we have a proper quota, we won’t entice the next generation.”
For full story see https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1125/1482076-fishing-industry-crisis/
