Fishermen and consumers get raw deal over 'outrageous overcharging' for fish

FISHERMEN and consumers of fish are getting a raw deal.

Consumers are being outrageously overcharged while fishermen have witnessed massive drops in prices being paid for their landings.

The Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation (ISWFO) revealed that in the past two years there was an average 30% drop in price to the fisherman. However, retail prices have continued to soar, and the fish producers' body claimed some supermarkets and retailers are making a fat 700% profit.

The ISWFO said it conducted a thorough analysis of prices and fish landing from March 2001 to June 2003.

The results show the fisherman's share of prices dropped significantly.

Haddock prices paid to the fisherman dropped by 37%.

Whiting slumped by 17%.

Monkfish prices plummeted by 40%.

The Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation's manager Jason Whooley said: "fishermen, as primary producers, are dependent on receiving a reasonable return from the marketplace to survive, and current prices are making life difficult. If the situation persists, then many fishermen will face an uncertain future in the business." Mr Whooley continued: "our members are receiving €1.00 per kg for haddock at the moment, yet the product is retailing at €14.00 per kg in supermarkets.

"Even allowing for processing, this represents a 700% margin.

"Consumers need to ask serious questions when buying fish. Am I being overcharged? At the moment, the answer is a firm yes," Castletownbere-based Mr Whooley said. He added: "everyone knows that fish is a healthy alternative; our fish come from some of the cleanest waters in Europe. Consumption should be booming, but these outrageous prices are killing demand for fish when it should be encouraged.

"In an increasingly health conscious environment, our product compares very favourably with some of the cheap imports of fish, farmed or wild. We have no problem with people making a living from the supply chain, but we do have a problem with the excessive margins being applied.

"Everybody needs to be responsible here all fishermen want is a fair price for what they catch."

Mr Whooley warned: "if there is no improvement, then fishermen will have no choice but to review the current marketing and distribution channels."