Irish fishing industry suffers constant battle against the tide

THE tragedies of the past week have again underlined the inherent dangers fishermen face every time they put to sea.

It has been claimed by the hard-pressed industry that quota restrictions, high fuel costs and efforts to make the most of “windows” or calm periods in the midst of prolonged stormy weather sometimes force fishermen to take undue risks, which can have disastrous consequences.

Though the Irish fishing industry has declined greatly, it still provides employment for close to 12,000 people and generates annual revenue of more than €702 million.