Fisheries reform - A chance to renew sector

COMMERCIAL fishermen stand to lose more than anyone else if stocks of fish fall below sustainable levels. Already great numbers have left a sector ever more concentrated and industrialised.

The Irish fishing industry has seen huge changes since we joined the EU. An industry that once supported so many costal communities struggles because of red tape, reduced stocks and the fact that technology has possibly outstripped the ability of fish species to regenerate themselves.

Small family enterprises based along our coast were unable to compete with the great international corporations managing fleets of super trawlers, all with support services facilitating extended stays at sea.

Let us hope that the reforms agreed in Luxembourg will go some way to rebuilding our fishing industry.

That they have been welcomed by the Federation of Irish Fishermen suggests they might.

This great natural resource must be cherished and those who depend on it for a living must be supported but they must be responsible too.