THE country’s largest fishermen’s organisation is calling for a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum and says claims that the country has been robbed of its fish by other EU countries are wrong.

OVERFISHING continues to be a major problem in the EU - some stocks are threatened with extinction - and Ireland had one of the worst records for 2004, according to the EU.

The country’s fishermen were praised today for a day of action in protest at what they claim are extremist measures to prosecute them for fishing offences.

Furious fishermen gathered in protest in the country’s main ports today to warn the Government the new controversial Fisheries Bill will not be accepted.

Over 300 fishing boats were on course for the country’s main ports today to stage a protest to demand changes to the controversial Fisheries Bill.

THE fishing industry serves this country well, but too often its well-being has been ill-considered to the extent that those engaged in it could justifiably feel that theirs was the cinderella industry.

THE Government is prepared to take Spain to the European Court if its fishermen try to catch stocks off the Irish coast, Marine Minister Dermot Ahern warned yesterday.