Bad weather in the Celtic Sea herring fishery is a major obstacle for small vessels

The 2013 herring fishery in the Celtic sea has been hampered by bad prices and bad weather. Some smaller vessels entered this ring-fenced fishery while the fishery was two weeks under way for fish quality purposes.

Westbound passes Arranmore Island. Photo Pauric Gallagher

This year the management arrangements dictate that vessels have to land their quota on a weekly basis in any five weeks out of the first-eight week period. This all seems fine but some of the smaller vessels struggled in very poor weather conditions, leaving the aggregations of herring dispersed. As part of the management arrangements, vessels are required to land 50% of their allocated quota in the first period to be eligible for a reallocation in the second period.

Speaking to the Inshore Ireland, Francis O’ Donnell CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation said that the 50% rule makes no sense in a ring fenced fishery:

“In fact it creates unnecessary pressures on smaller vessels. It’s such a paradox; smaller vessels should be encouraged and helped but the 50% criterion puts the skippers and crews under immense psychological pressure and physical danger, it has to end.

“I appreciate that this rule was initially agreed on to stop vessels booking in and then not fishing. The need for the rule is now obsolete and the IFPO communicated this to Minister Coveney last year. I will certainly do everything I can to make sure the rule is abolished in 2014”.

“I have actively canvassed those on the Celtic Sea Herring Management Advisory Committee to have the rule dropped, and I am optimistic that people will see common sense.  Smaller vessels need a break. This is about safety and fair play,” he said.