Kelp-cutting in Bantry Bay could put 50 jobs at risk

Up to 50 jobs in lobster and shrimp fishing could be threatened if the industrial harvesting of 1,860 acres of native seaweed forest goes ahead in Bantry Bay, according to fishermen.

Minister for Housing and Planning, Simon Coveney is being urged by locals and environmentalists to reverse his department’s decision to grant the 10-year kelp-cutting licence to biotechnology company, BioAtlantis.

Lobster and shrimp cluster in and near the brown seaweed for food and shelter, according to third- generation Bantry fisherman, Kieran O’Shea.