Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities
MARINE TIMES NEWS March 2nd:
Wildlife Before Livelihoods — Inshore Fishermen Must Not Be the Next Target
Deputy Michael Collins has strongly criticised what he describes as yet another example of the Social Democrats leading the charge on a “wildlife before people” agenda, this time in relation to calls to restrict or ban crayfish netting along Ireland’s inshore waters.
Deputy Collins said it is deeply concerning that small-scale, family-run inshore fishermen are once again being portrayed as environmental offenders, despite decades of responsible and sustainable practice. He noted that recent commentary suggests endangered sharks are being caught in cray fishing nets inshore — a claim that fishermen in Cork South West strongly dispute.
One experienced fisherman from the region told Deputy Collins that in his many years at sea, he could recall only a single occasion where he caught something outside of his intended target species. He further stated clearly that, in all his years fishing the local grounds, he has never encountered an angel shark in the area.
“That testimony reflects what I am hearing consistently from responsible inshore fishermen,” Deputy Collins said. “The suggestion that angel sharks are being routinely caught in cray nets in these waters does not align with the experience of the men who work them every day.”
He emphasised that this debate specifically pertains to cray fishing, a seasonal and weather-dependent fishery carried out by small vessels typically between 19 and 36 feet in length. These boats operate close to shore and have done so for generations. Cray fishing represents a vital income stream that sustains families and coastal communities across the South and South-West.
Deputy Collins warned that banning cray fishing would not simply remove a fishing method — it would remove livelihoods. He pointed out that the inshore fleet has already endured the loss of multiple fisheries over the years, while the pelagic fleet has faced significant contraction. “Now it appears that the focus is shifting again, and small inshore operators are in the firing line,” he said.
He criticised what he sees as a growing trend of policy proposals driven by ideology rather than balanced engagement. “There is a pattern emerging where wildlife concerns are advanced without equal consideration for the human cost. Protecting biodiversity is important, but it cannot come at the expense of wiping out traditional coastal livelihoods without proper evidence, engagement and proportionate response.”
Deputy Collins called for region-specific scientific assessment and direct engagement with fishermen in affected areas before any policy decisions are taken. He insisted that any conservation measures must be fair, evidence-based and developed in partnership with those who work the sea.
“Our inshore fishermen are not reckless operators,” he concluded. “They are custodians of the coast. If we continue down a road of unilateral restriction and sweeping generalisation, we risk dismantling the last viable elements of traditional Irish fishing. That would be a grave mistake — economically, culturally and socially.”
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In our March edition -
EU trades away yet another €25 million to Norway in Irish waters to give Ireland €2 million in return: Just when Irish fishermen thought that they couldn’t be betrayed any more, yet another shock and underhand decision is taken by the EU Commission; On the Brink: Irish Fishing Cannot Survive Another Year of Managed Decline; Inshore Fishermen Will Not Support the Removal of Another Traditional Fishery: Practical Management Measures Must Be Attempted and Implemented Rather Than Closure of the Crayfish Fishery ....
.... all of this plus so much more in our March issue
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The Marine Times Newspaper is Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities. We publish a monthly newspaper available in all good shops but also provide additional topical news from around our coast free on our website - help keep it free by buying us a cheap old cup of coffee by clicking on the image above
