Common fishing policy could create greater revenue opportunities here
The FIF’s analysis of fishing in Killybegs outlines measures that could create 300 to 400 jobs in Donegal alone. The numbers could rise tenfold if scaled up across Clogherhead, Howth, Dunmore East, Rossaveal, Castletownbere and every other fishing stronghold.
European demand for fish is expected to reach 40 million tons by 2030. The EU imports 70% of the 12 million tons of fish it consumes annually, valued at €60 billion. A new report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has unveiled growing global awareness of the nutritional benefits of fish, and predicts a further growth in demand, but also warns against over-fishing.
FIF chairman Sean O’Donoghue said: “World consumption of fish has gone up, which is good. The global average fish consumption of 17.2kg per person per annum is still far behind Ireland, where people eat 22-23kg a year. It is good news that people are aware of the health benefits.
“However, the FAO report is a global analysis. We are really mostly interested in the North East Atlantic. We need more specific regional detail. For instance, mackerel stocks are at their highest in 30 years, but there are problems with cod stocks.
“This time around, we need to learn from our past mistakes with the new reformed Common Fisheries Policy, due on January 1, 2013. This is the third review of the fisheries policies, and we want to build alliances with our ministers here, MEPs and our friends in Europe. Thankfully, this time we all seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet.”
That harmony was evident last Friday when Sean O’Donoghue outlined the need for a focus on sustainable fish stocking, greater regionalisation and an enhanced role for scientific advice at a special meeting in his native Killybegs, Co Donegal, with the three North East MEPs, Pat ‘the cope’ Gallagher (FF), Marian Harkin (Ind) and Jim Higgins (FG).
The FIF wants an informal committee of regional ministers to report to the European Council of Fisheries Ministers. This would allow for greater involvement of regional industry stakeholders, while retaining key decision-making in Brussels.
FIF members are convinced that more regional control will give them a greater share of the predicted surge in EU demand for fish. Outlining their research to existing national representatives, sitting MEPs and colleagues in the EU, the FIF has highlighted how clear biological, social and economic objectives can deliver greater returns within a more sustainable, regional approach to fishing policy.
For now, Irish fishermen also welcome the FAO’s latest aquaculture report, which showed that 150 grams of fish provides 50-60% of the daily protein requirements for an adult, while also promoting its benefits as a source of vitamins and minerals.
Globally, fish provides more than 1.5bn people with almost 20% of their average intake of animal protein. Fish products are among the most-traded food commodities, with a record $102bn (€74bn) turnover in 2008, the report said.
Sean O’Donoghue said: “The report has no great detail on the regions, but there are certainly great opportunities in fishing. There will be no increase in stock, but we should be able to make more from existing stocks. And in Ireland we should certainly be able to exploit our green image and reputation for quality. We are convinced that we can create more jobs and build a more sustainable industry.”
