New plan for future of beleaguered fishing industry

A strategic plan is to be drawn up for the fishing industry to plot a sustainable future for the sector amid declining stocks and rising fuel costs, it emerged tonight.

The decision was made following today’s talks between Marine Minister Noel Dempsey and representatives of the Irish fishing industry.

The strategy, which will be completed by the end of September, will suggest measures to counteract pressing problems like dwindling cod and mackerel and the ever-increasing costs of running a vessel.

Mr Dempsey, who was joined at today’s meeting with Minister of State John Browne said the Government and fishermen both agreed that the problems besetting the industry were of a structural nature that needed to be tackled in a concerted and focused manner.

The ministers invited proposals from the industry including the possibility of scrapping vessels on a permanent basis as recommended by the Padraic White report of June 2005.

The ministers said: “The industry proposals would be examined as a matter of urgency. The longer-term aspects such as changing fishing gears and improving engine efficiencies could be addressed in the context of the strategic plan to be developed.”

The strategic plan will be spearheaded by an independent expert and involve regional meetings to hear views from all parts of the sector such as fishermen, processors and coastal communities.

There will also be a forum which will bring together industry representatives, key sectoral players, together with experts from the food and other related sectors.

The Irish South & West Fishermen’s Organisation, who met the ministers today, welcomed the decision.

Manager Jason Whooley added: “The outcome of this process must be an improvement in the economic situation within the Industry and a position from where fishermen are able to plan their futures.”

Terms of reference for the strategic plan will be finalised in the next 10 days.