BIM’s inshore fisheries coordinator, Oliver Tully, explains

A large proportion of Ireland’s inshore fishing fleet and segments of the offshore fleet fish for crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimps) and molluscs (scallop, whelk, clams, cockles). These vessels account for over 80 per cent of the national fleet, provide 70 per cent employment in the catching sector and prosecute fisheries valued at approximately €50m per annum at first sale.

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) has largely ignored management of these fisheries, and national governments have also been slow to react to the vacuum in policy. In Ireland, however, the industry has taken the initiative in many instances by providing, for example, local co-operative management plans for lobsters.

In 2001, the Irish Lobster Association submitted an application to the marine minister for limited entry to lobster fisheries. The support for management remains strong in the industry despite an increasing level of frustration at the lack of progress. The State has been slow to follow industry initiatives, but for a valid reason.