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Pringle: We need a policy that recognises the importance of inshore fishing
- Updated: 27th November 2024
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said he will work toward a reversal of the pollack ban, as he vowed to continue fighting for inshore fishermen and island fishermen.
Deputy Pringle said: “When we talk about our fishing industry, what often gets overlooked is the fact that the largest piece of the Irish fishing fleet is the smaller vessels engaged in inshore fishing, which generally takes place, but is not limited to, 12 miles off our coastline.
“In the past 20 years the inshore fishing industry has been dealt hammer blow after hammer blow. In 2006, the salmon drift net ban immediately halved inshore fishermen’s income and it has driven many people from fishing. This was swiftly followed by a ban on fishing for spurdogs, and has led to an over-reliance on crab and on lobster in order for fishermen to make ends meet.
“Fishermen then started to fish for other species such as pollack, using some of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly methods such as dive boards and hook and line, only to be told in 2023 that this fishery has now been closed after some questionable figures were released by the department.
“Inshore fishing was the heartbeat of coastal and island communities, and the piers from Teelin to Burtonport and Bunbeg and throughout Inishowen were always busy, vibrant places that created good employment opportunities for local people.
“We need a policy that recognises the importance of inshore fishing. The decision to allow large trawlers to fish in Ireland’s inshore waters is very worrying – the ban had been in place to protect sustainable fishing and to ensure the livelihoods of small fishermen and island fishermen.
“We also need measures such as these to support our islands, which play such a vital role in the economy, culture and traditions of our country.
“I will continue to fight for inshore fishing and island fishermen, and look for a fair share of quotas of line-caught mackerel for smaller boats. I will also look to reverse the pollack ban and open a herring fishery exclusive for inshore fishing,” he said.
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