Irish fishing makes no sense

Anyone perusing last Saturday’s newspaper (Irish Examiner, January 2 ) would be forgiven for being confused by conflicting reports on the Irish seafood industry. 

The main article portrayed a buoyant industry where €154 million was promised for further development. It was claimed that despite reductions in cod, sole and boar fish quotas, the industry would have an additional 10% of white fish to catch this year.

However another article stated that Ireland is “allowed a mere 4% of the EU whitefish quotas”- a 10% increase on an insignificant figure would still be an insignificant figure.

Elsewhere it was stated that Irish fishermen are confined to port because they have no quotas that would entitle them to fish legally. At the same time 12 foreign super trawlers, otherwise known as freezer factory vessels were operating off the Donegal coast. In conclusion, the IFA spokesperson urged the fast tracking of €30 million earmarked for aquaculture development. Yet, quite recently, BIM, acknowledging the catastrophic ecological consequences of the project, decided to withdraw an application for a licence for a fish farm in Galway Bay.

Is the IFA out of touch?

Mick Callanan

Crookstown

Co. Cork