Michael Clifford: Much of the fishing crisis is a problem of our own making

A report completed last year by consultants PWC concluded that “the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is not working effectively and requires urgent attention"

A flotilla of fishing vessels in Cork city centre as fishermen unite to raise awareness and seek the support of the public. Picture: Larry Cummins

It's not all bad news in the fishing business. Yesterday’s flotilla protest in Cork, in which dozens of fishing vessels sailed into the harbour, was a dramatic expression of the fear and worry permeating the industry. 

The protest was, for the greater part, populated by relatively small operators who are really feeling the pinch.