Jimmy Byrne who today refused to dump 110 boxes of prime Monkfish at Kilmore Quay
TRAWLERMEN in Co Donegal are to meet to discuss following the example of colleagues in Co Wexford – by giving away free fish to the public rather than dumping it at sea.
It’s understood the pro-fishing lobbies in Killybegs and Greencastle are keen to support the stance of Séamus O’Flaherty, who owns the Saltees Quest, who gave away fish at Kilmore Quay in Wexford yesterday.
The vessel exceeded its EU quota of monkfish and gave away 110 boxes of the prized fish to delighted members of the public.
Skipper Jimmy Byrne said he took the action to oppose the EU rule that requires over-quota fish to be thrown back overboard.
The crew was monitored by gardai before officers from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority arrived.
In a statement, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority said: “A fishing operation that results in large quantities of fish for which the vessel does not have a quota is undesirable for everyone.
“A prudent response would be to alter that operation – change fishing grounds or fishing techniques to try to avoid unwanted catches in the first instance. The quantities brought ashore as ‘discards’ in this morning’s landing are not consistent with this type of responsible fishing.”
Last night sources in both Killybegs and Greencastle contacted Donegal Daily to say the protest was being “monitored” with a view to copycat incidents here in this county.
It’s thought fishermen in several other counties are also planning to join the protest.
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