Harbour fishermen lose traditional way of life

ON May 19 last you carried an article on the banning of draft net fishing for salmon in Castlemaine Harbour, Co Kerry.

The ban was imposed under the provisions of a by-law which has since been set aside by order of the High Court. Proceedings had been instituted by a group of Cromane fishermen whose livelihoods depend on fishing. Their salmon licences had been renewed by the South Western Fisheries Board for the 2008 season which commenced on May 13 last.

However, like a bolt from the blue, a by-law having immediate effect was introduced on May 14 banning draft net fishing in Castlemaine Harbour.