Fishing sector needs to attract more young people to ensure viability

AN AGEING population is threatening the long-term viability of the fishing industry and the communities who rely on it, according to senior figures.

A day after Junior Minister for the Marine John Browne established a new strategy group to look at the future of the industry, the sector’s significant age imbalance has been brought to light.

Art Kavanagh, chairman of AIB’s Marine and Fishing Steering Group, said the failure of the whole industry to offer long-term prospects to young people was undermining the sustainability of coastal communities.