Fishing industry set to lose €70m in 2014 says representative
Marine minister Simon Coveney has met with fishing industry and environmental groups to discuss Commission proposals on fishing opportunities for 2014 in advance of the annual negotiations in December.
Eibhlin O’Sullivan, CEO of the Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation Ltd (IS&WFPO Ltd) however believes that if the proposals for whitefish stocks are implemented, they will severely impact fishermen and the overall Irish economy:
Whitefish ports such as Castletownbere, Co Cork will be severely impacted if proposed cuts are implemented in 2014. Photo N Duffy
“We calculate the proposed cuts are in the region of €22m. This is in fact a conservative estimate based on the average prices for the various species this year and also [because] the Commission has yet to issue its proposals for some stocks. There may in fact be further reductions,” explained Ms O’Sullivan.
“We are therefore calling on Minister Coveney and his fellow European Ministers to adopt a conservative approach to the TAC and Quota Regulations to ensure the survival of very valuable Irish species – our fishermen,” she said.
In addition to direct loss to fishermen, the loss to the onshore sector would be in excess of €47m, she said.
“In terms of employment this will likely lead to the loss of 750 jobs within the catching sector and another 500 jobs onshore, representing a catastrophic loss for rural coastal peripheral areas which have few alternative sources of income.
“We all saw Minister Coveney’s response to the fodder crisis; fishermen, who will experience a significant loss of income if the proposals are implemented, will receive no such assistance or support.”
She said the proposals are based on scientific advice, “however, as the IS&WFPO have previously indicated, there are issues with some of [this advice] particularly given the difference in the perception of the stocks between the scientists and industry.
“We are actively working on trying to assist scientists where possible in improving the accuracy of the scientific advice; however if the proposals as drafted are implemented there will be very few fishermen remaining in the Irish Industry to assist the scientists.”
Minister Coveney explained it was important that all relevant stakeholders had the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
“It is crucial for me that I have a clear understanding of all viewpoints before I enter what will be very tough negotiations in December. I intend to work closely with fellow Member States with shared interests and with Commissioner Damanaki in order to ensure that the TACs and quotas agreed for 2014 are balanced and take account of the scientific advice”.
Submissions can be forwarded electronically via the web portal www.fishingnet.ie until 22 November. All submissions received, subject to legal and editorial considerations, will be published on the website to broaden the debate.
