Inshore fishermen are at risk of not being able to pay their bills this winter due to a market downturn, the Marine Minister has been told.
Deputy Charlie McConalogue met with inshore fisher representative organisations this week as they called for financial aid to sustain them throughout the winter period.
The National Inshore Fishermen’s Association says the war in Ukraine has led to unprecedented rises in operating costs. This is coupled with a crash in prices received for their catches, due to processors having to reduce the price they pay for products to fishermen to help maintain their own margins.
In a letter to the Minister, inshore fishermen said most shellfish producers are in an unprofitable position with greatly reduced turnovers.
Low purchasing levels mean vessels are on minimal daily limits on the days they are actually allowed to fish, leaving some buyers even encouraging vessels to bring their gear ashore.
Live markets are under severe pressure from the extra product that’s being funnelled into them to try and compensate for the problems with the cooked crab market.
Independent Deputy Thomas Pringle raised the issues with the Minister yesterday and said: “The inshore sector desperately needs financial assistance in order to sustain themselves throughout the winter period. Without financial assistance hundreds of families across Donegal and the west of Ireland are at risk of not being able to pay their bills or put food on the table this winter.
“The inshore sector provides vital employment in some of the most isolated parts of the country, where there are little or no other employment opportunities, particularly our island communities such as Arranmore and other areas such as the port in Inver, Clad na Gcaorach, Shalway and Loughros Point, to name but a few.”
In his response, Minister McConalogue said he has engaged with the inshore fishery sector on the issue and is assessing the situation and aware of the challenges they face.
The Minister said: “There has definitely been a real challenge in respect of the market.
“The inshore sector is massively important to our fisheries and to employment in coastal communities. It is a sector I have sought to support strongly. I will continue to engage with them over the coming short period of time.”
