Irish fishing groups warn sector won't survive without urgent government and EU support

Leading Irish fishing organizations have declared the sector is in crisis, warning it cannot survive without immediate support from the government and the European Union. Their statements come as fisheries ministers from 27 EU states convene in Cork for an informal meeting, hosted during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU.

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Crisis yes, certainly - the fishing industry is currently in a state of crisis.

The Irish fishery and seafood sector is a significant economic contributor, directly employing 10,000 people and indirectly supporting another 7,000. It generates €1.25 billion for the Irish economy each year. However, a recent report to the Marine Minister identified an existential threat facing the industry.

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Why is a big question, but a lack and a loss of fishing opportunities is the main reason why, and we have various reasons for that: poor stock advice for the last number of years has seen serious reductions, reductions in Brexit were very expensive for Ireland and then we have the loss of the Hague Preferences in last year's December Council.

John Lynch, CEO of the Irish South and East Fish Producers' Organisation, confirmed the crisis, citing a "lack and loss of fishing opportunities" as the primary cause. He pointed to several factors, including years of poor stock advice leading to serious reductions, the costly impact of Brexit on Irish fisheries, and the loss of "Hague Preferences" from last December's Council meeting.

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Well, the industry definitely is on life support.

Patrick Murphy, CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers' Organisation, echoed these concerns, stating the industry is "on life support." He highlighted the struggles of boat operators to meet wages and pay bills, emphasizing the need for government support. Murphy also identified generational renewal as a critical problem, noting the difficulty in attracting young people to the industry. With limited fish stocks in Irish waters, only 14% of the total catch and zero catch advice on many stocks, making the industry more attractive requires rebuilding fish populations and providing substantial government support.

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Boats are struggling to make the wages. They're struggling to pay the bills, and we need supports if we're going to continue.