Spanish vessel that enters the box will be arrested'

FURIOUS fishermen say conflict at sea is likely if an armada of 200 Spanish vessels is allowed plunder stocks in the Irish Box.

Nearly 100 members of the Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation (ISWFO) met yesterday to discuss the implications of the EU opening up waters off the coast to the Spanish fishing fleet, which could destroy the livelihoods of scores of Irish families.

“I couldn’t rule out conflict at sea if this happens,” ISWFO manager Jason Whooley said. He has accused EU Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler of shirking his responsibility and of “political expediency” for allowing Spanish vessels to fish within the protected fishing area known as the Irish Box.

He added: “The fishermen are primarily concerned that fish stocks will be decimated if the Spanish fleet gains unlimited access to the Irish Box. Fishermen feel that if the Irish Box goes, then their futures will go with it.”

He said that during a two-hour meeting at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork, fishermen around the country indicated they wouldn’t roll over on the issue. “Conservation was supposed to be the overriding objective in these (EU) negotiations but it was clearly only a smokescreen,” Mr Whooley said.

Forty Spanish vessels are allowed to fish in Irish waters but if the EU directive goes ahead that figure will reach 200. While the ISWFO says it will continue to try and solve the problem, fishermen say they will not allow themselves be set up as sacrificial lambs.

Representatives from the Irish fishing industry are to meet with Marine Minister Dermot Ahern in Dublin on January 2 to discuss the issue.

Mr Whooley said: “The fishermen present will want assurances from that meeting on the Irish Box. The minister must show his mettle and ensure the 41st Spanish vessel that enters the box will be arrested.”