Calls for support package for inshore fishing sector in Mayo

A STABILISATION and climate adaptation support package is needed for Ireland's inshore fishing sector.

A Mayo County Council motion seeking its implementation is to be sent up to the Minister for Finance, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and also the Minister of State for Fisheries.

The motion was tabled by three councillors based on the county's coast - Sean Carey and Gerry Coyle in Erris and Achill-based Paul McNamara.

A lifeline for the local communities they operate in, Councillor Carey described the sector as being in 'dire straits' and under severe pressure.

From January to mid-April they lost 90 days where they were unable to fish safely because of the weather, coupled with rising costs for fuel and bait.

They have a submision ready for government, which he hopes they will receive support for.

Ninety per cent of the inshore fishing fleet boats are under 12 metres and so dependent on weather, and they need financial assistance, he explained.

They have only a 400-tonne mackeral quota, which is just one per cent of the national quota, and that needs to increase to at leaset three per cent, said Councillor Carey. It's unviable as it is.

The whole coast of Ireland is affected, he added, but particularly here in Mayo with so many small boats fishing.

We have to give people a reason to live in these rural areas, commented Councillor Coyle.

And what they are doing with mackeral is the most eco-friendly fishing in the world, caught on the line. There's no waste.

Their quotas have been cut in a deliberate attempt, he felt, to put them out of business.

Supporting sustainable fishing was an important message, Councillor Jarlath Munnelly commented, with full council support for the motion.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme