A “systemic crisis in the Irish fishing and seafood industry” has been laid bare in a survey carried out by Sinn Féin, published today.
In the survey, respondents said the fishing sector is in distress, facing mounting economic pressures, regulatory challenges. They also pointed to a sense of neglect from both the Irish government and the European Union.
In one section, Irish fishermen voiced their feelings of injustice on quota allocations, with one saying: “Just on the blue whiting alone, last year Norway was allowed to catch 100,000 tons in Irish waters. The boat I work on was allowed 1,500 tons. Then we tie the boat to the pier and watch Norwegian boats steam up and down to Norway. They must be laughing as they pass Killybegs, looking in at the Irish fleet tied up at the pier.”
Another fisherman said they could only fish 61 days in 2023 due to the quotas and have had to find other work to pay the bills.
95.5% of respondents said they do not believe that foreign vessels are monitored and controlled in a similar fashion to Irish vessels fishing in Irish waters.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD said: “What we can see clearly from these results is that the Irish fishing and seafood industry is being severely neglected. It is under-supported, undervalued, and faces a systemic crisis that demands immediate attention from the government.
“We had the Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice this week outlining Ireland’s ambition to lead global maritime policy. He added that, ‘as an island nation, Ireland is blessed with some of the world’s finest marine resources, providing jobs, energy, food, and respite and pleasure for citizens and tourists alike’.
“The testimonies of those who responded to our survey tell a very different story to the rosy picture painted by Micheál Martin, and the apparent commitment from his government to this industry flies in the face of the lived realities of fishing communities.”
88% of respondents reported they would not encourage their children to continue the family tradition in fishing and pursue a career in the fishing industry.
The Donegal TD said that generations are now frustrated and suffering from the mental health impacts of economic strain. He said: “Respondents overwhelmingly emphasised the urgent need for reform in fisheries management and regulation, quota allocation, and improved advocacy at the national and European levels. Without a radical reset in government policy and immediate actions, there is a consensus that the Irish fishing and seafood industry faces existential threats.
“The Irish fishing communities have waited long enough. What they are asking for is not charity, it’s fairness, respect, and a future.”
Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Conor McGuinness TD said: “We commend our fishing and seafood industry leaders on their campaigning that has led to a dedicated Minister for Fisheries and the re-establishment of a dedicated Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs after many years without one.
“Sinn Féin will chair this important committee. Working with other TDs and Senators on a cross-party basis, this can be the start of a reset for our industry both in Ireland and in Europe.”
