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.