Defence Forces deny targeting Irish trawlers

THE Defence Forces yesterday insisted that Irish trawlers are not being specifically targeted by naval fishery patrols, as the fishing industry warned it was battling for survival.

Escalating fuel costs, steep income drops and concerns about over-regulation are pointing to an industry becoming rapidly unsustainable, it was claimed.

Castletownbere fishermen’s co-op manager John Nolan said Irish skippers are ending up with criminal records for offences and boat owners facing penalties, in the circuit courts, of up to €40,000 for fishing breaches that merit a minimum fine of less than €50 in some rival fishery states.