Fish producers have praised opposition parties for blocking Government moves to introduce an EU points system for the industry.

Members of the Irish fishing industry have said they had had a positive meeting with the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator over their concerns for the sector once Britain leaves the EU.

One of the country’s largest fisherman’s organisations has condemned the treatment of four Ghanaian fishermen who may have been the victims of human trafficking — and is offering to help seek work for them.

A fish producers’ organisation has warned of a policy of apartheid in the fishing industry which affects the bulk of the fleet.

Two fishermen were cleared yesterday of charges to bring illegal migrant workers into Ireland to work on trawlers in what the State claimed was a “calculated scam”.

Government chief whip Paul Kehoe has criticised Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for a lack of communication with fishermen on the suspension of production at three ice plants.

Fishermen are warning that up to 600 jobs will be lost in the sector and their incomes will halve if they are forced to cut the amount of fish they can catch next year.

A well-known skipper with an interest in four trawlers says he is contemplating selling out as industry leaders warn that the whitefish sector is on the brink of closure.

Irish fishermen have warned that a European ban on dumping dead fish at sea is the wrong tactic.

IRISH diners refuse to eat the bulk of fish caught in Irish waters because they look too ugly.

SOME 200 workers, including 75 in the south-west, could be forced out of the fishing industry as a result of government regulations designed to improve safety on smaller trawlers.

IRISH fishermen are facing financial ruin because of spiralling fuel costs, an EU delegation to west Cork heard yesterday.

FISHERMEN could be a vital source of information for the State in tackling drug smuggling, but they are being alienated by the government’s approach to funding and legislation.

Fishing organisations have asked the Government to allow them to tie up their vessels in port for a few weeks.

FISHING leaders insisted yesterday they were waiting for a garda investigation to be completed before commenting on claims the industry was extensively flouting EU and national laws.

IMPORTED fish, including species landed in the Pacific, are flooding markets in west Cork, home to two major fishing co-ops in Castletownbere and Union Hall.