Fishermen gather up nets in protest over licences

MORE THAN 40 fishermen from the south-east gathered up their nets yesterday in protest at the impounding of a vessel in Waterford over the past week as well as over the current licensing and quota system.

The fishermen gathered on Waterford’s north quay just before lunchtime yesterday where the Sea Queen was detained by the fisheries board for illegal fishing. The owner says he has been waiting five months for a licence from the Department of the Marine.

Paul Bennett from Dunmore East bought the €500,000 boat five months ago. He borrowed from the bank to pay for it. But it still hasn’t been licensed and has been tied up ever since. Mr Bennett and his crew members are in financial difficulty as the row continues.