Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

In this month’s edition - Fishermen & Processors will be glad to see the end of 2024

The processing sector will be glad to see the end of this year, which has been one of the worst on record for it; As they prepare for the annual December Fisheries Council meeting on December 9 and 10, industry representative organisation leaders told the Marine Times that there was “trepidation.”; Fishermen hope that post the election, that there may be the basis for sitting down with political parties in Government to incorporate some of their 10 point plan into a programme for Government, with the key focus on the appointment of a designated Minister, Junior Minister if necessary, but with full delegated authority to represent the marine sector .... all of this plus so much more in our December issue

MARINE TIMES PODCAST December:
New government must end naivety towards fishing

Tom MacSweeney talks to Brendan Byrne, Chief Executive of the IFPEA

The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association says there has been naivete amongst policymakers who thought that the fishing industry would reconfigure itself, despite the losses caused by Brexit.

The entire sector, catching and processing, is in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis, according to CEO Brendan Byrne. He also challenges the rigour of controls enforcement on Irish fishing by the SFPA, at a level which does not happen in other Member States, he says in this Podcast interview with Marine Times Executive Editor / News, Tom MacSweeney. Listen to the Podcast here

MARINE TIMES NEWS December 11th:
Even more RNLI lifesavers prepare to answer the call this Christmas

Continuing from yesterday’s report, as the RNLI comes to the end of its milestone 200th year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, we focus on more of the volunteer crew members who are preparing to spend Christmas on call.

Adam and Luka pictured with their Mum Karen Harris

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews including those at Dunmore East, Tramore and Helvick Head, are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS December 10th:
RNLI lifesavers prepare to answer the call this Christmas

As the RNLI comes to the end of its milestone 200th year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteer crew members who are preparing to spend Christmas on call.

David and Caroline Barry with baby Amelia, Clifden RNLI

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected. Full story here

Tom MacSweeney's MARITIME PODCAST - DECEMBER

On the December edition of Tom MacSweeney's Maritime Podcast, Ireland’s only maritime broadcast:
Why does Ireland, an island nation, not have a traditional fish dish for Christmas? Other nations do, so why not Ireland? Appropriately, this month being Christmastime, that question is raised in the December edition of my Podcast by historian Antoin O’Callaghan. While other nations make fish a Christmas dish, he wonders why Ireland does not and suggests The Feast of the Seven Fishes. But, will Ireland have enough fish to meet its needs? Perhaps not. The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters, Brendan Byrne, says this has been a very bad year for processors. That’s all on the December edition, with a look back at storylines from previous editions.

MARINE TIMES NEWS December 2nd:
Clifden RNLI mark 100 lifeboat launches so far this year

The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI have launched their lifeboats 100 times so far this year, racking up hundreds of hours at sea between search and rescue operations and training exercises.

The entire crew have gone through a rigorous training and re-certification programme and are the first station in Ireland to have achieved full compliance with the RNLI’s new training platform, Operational Competency Framework (OCF). Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 21st:
Seafood Ireland Alliance Welcomes Political Support in Upcoming General Election

The Seafood Ireland Alliance, comprising five organisations have welcomed the strong support by a number of political parties in the upcoming General Election following the publication of manifestos by all the major parties and Independent candidates.

They have welcomed the support from Sinn Féin for the seafood sector and the commitment to robustly defend Irelands marine interests as outlined in their manifesto. The Seafood Alliance have also welcomed Fine Gael’s manifesto support for a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries and a review of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Seafood Ireland alliance say they are delighted that the manifesto reflects most of what they recently outlined to the party in a joint industry 10-point plan. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 15th:
Kerry shellfish company recognised at Good Food Awards

Réalt na Mara Shellfish was announced as winner of the BIM sponsored Fish and Seafood Producer of the Year at the Good Food Ireland Awards 2024 in Dublin this week.

Margaret Jeffares, Good Food Ireland, Sharon Sugrue, Réalt na Mara with Paul Ward and Cathriona McCarthy from BIM at the awards ceremony. Réalt na Mara Shellfish was announced as winner of the BIM sponsored Fish and Seafood Producer of the Year at the Good Food Ireland Awards 2024 in Dublin this week.

Founded in 2015 by by Micheál Sugrue and Emmet Casey, the Kerry-based business is the culmination of generations of hard work and experience in the local fishing industry. Full story here

MARINE TIMES PODCAST November:
Fishermen should take legal action against the Common Fisheries Policy

Tom MacSweeney talks to Patrick Murphy, Chief Executive of the ISWFPO

The front page headline in our November edition, published this week in print and online, urges fishermen to take legal action against the Common Fisheries Policy.

“Relative stability, the core of the CFP, no longer exists and our fishermen could be made the poorest in Europe,” according to the Chief Executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation, Patrick Murphy. He tells Executive Editor, Tom MacSweeney, why he has suggested legal action. Listen to the Podcast here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 14th:
Irish seafood industry looks to increase value of co-products

The Irish seafood industry is making strides towards more sustainable and higher value uses for co-products that have traditionally been undervalued. At a Seafood Innovation Network event this week (Tuesday 12 November) hosted by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Teagasc at the National Food Research Centre in Dublin, more than 70 business owners from industry learned about the potential to repurpose these nutrient-rich co-products for more valuable uses including food for human consumption, ingredients and nutraceuticals.

Áine Byrne, Norfish, Michael Gallagher, Innovation Manager, BIM, John Kenny, Atlantis, Frédéric Mens, Upcyclink, Richard Donnelly, Development and Innovation Director, BIM

Currently half of the co-products generated from seafood processing in Ireland are largely used for fishmeal, pet food and commercial bait, typically low-value channels. However, by tapping into the value of these co-products, not only can industry create higher sources of revenue, but it can also create higher value and skilled jobs, reduce waste and lessen the strain on seafood stocks. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 13th:
Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference:
Setting a Course for Ireland’s Marine Future
– 20-21 November, RDS, Dublin!

Ireland’s ocean community is invited to take part in a pivotal event shaping the future of our seas and coastal economies. The Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference will take place on 20-21 November at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin, gathering the foremost voices in marine science, policy, and industry for a collaborative approach to securing a sustainable blue economy and a healthy ocean for future generations.

Hosted by the Marine Institute, the two-day Ocean Knowledge 2030 Conference will bring together national and international experts and thought leaders to address the pressing challenges facing our oceans, from biodiversity protection and coastal resilience to sustainable economic development and climate action. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 12th:
EirGrid to host public consultation events across Cork, Waterford and Wexford on offshore energy plans for Ireland’s south coast

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid, is seeking the public’s input into its project to build the new transmission grid infrastructure necessary to bring power generated by offshore windfarms into our national grid.

With Ireland set to take a significant step towards a greener energy future with plans to deliver offshore renewable energy infrastructure off the south coast, the public will have an opportunity to find out more about EirGrid’s proposed plans at a series of information events across November and December. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 11th:
Three Centuries of Service!

The year 1724 was three centuries ago, yet the RNLI was founded in 1824; two centuries ago.

A group of former RNLI volunteers gathered for a chat on Saturday November 9th. The combined RNLI volunteer service total for these six volunteers comes to three centuries. Yes, 300 years. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 9th:
Valentia RNLI Spend 16 Hours at Sea Following Mayday to Help Crew of 33m Fishing Trawler On Fire

Valentia RNLI’s volunteers spent 16 hours at sea on Wednesday (7 November) after they responded to a Mayday call to rescue the 11 crew of a 33m fishing trawler that went on fire. It was the second call out in 24 hours for the station’s crew who earlier on Tuesday rescued a paddleboarder who got into difficulty.

The crew were first requested by the Irish Coast Guard to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 1.29pm on Tuesday (5 November) following a report of a paddleboarder drifting north of Cuas Crom Harbour. The alarm was raised by walkers who spotted the casualty drifting. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 6th:
Thirty Thousand Three Hundred and Four Euro!

This magnificent sum was raised in a single summer’s day by the Kilmuckridge RNLI Fundraising Committee.

Every cent was raised legitimately. (now, the traffic and public auction laws may have been stretched a little) It was all as a result of the generosity of the Kilmuckridge and surrounding community. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 5th:
Launch of Seafood / Offshore Renewable Energy Working Group Publications

The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has announced the online launch of new guidance documents relating to the managed introduction of Offshore Renewable Energy to the State’s maritime area, with specific focus on the interaction between the ORE and Seafood sectors.

The suite of guidance documents have been produced by the Seafood/ORE Working Group under the independent chairmanship of Captain Robert McCabe. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS November 4th:
Minister encourages fishermen to participate in the Inshore Fleet Economic Assessment Scheme as deadline for applications extended

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD wishes to encourage all eligible fishermen to participate in the Inshore Fleet Economic Assessment Scheme and to make them aware of the extended deadline for applications of 8th November.

Commenting the Minister said: “I have met with representatives of the inshore fleet to discuss the challenges facing this fleet, in particular those affecting their ability to access markets. I have progressed a scheme specifically in response to these challenges. This additional data will enhance my ability to target supports more effectively and support the continued economic viability of the inshore fleet in coming years. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS October 25th:
IFPEA says that the European Union needs to adopt a “one Norway policy"

The Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA) has called on the European Union to adopt a “One Norway approach to fisheries negotiations", the call comes is in light of the continued reckless overfishing of shared mackerel stocks by them and other non-compliant coastal states.

2025 scientific advice is recommending a 22% cut in mackerel quotas, a cut that will cost the Irish fishing sector approximately €18 million, unless coastal states start acting responsibly there is a real prospect the mackerel could be facing a zero TAC within 2 years. Full story here

Congratulations to the Paddle 4 Life team on successful fundraising for the RNLI

Union Hall RNLI has congratulated the successful Paddle 4 Life team of Anaïs O’Donovan, Simon Champ, Ciaran Usher, and Andy Jeffers who undertook a number of challenges, over the last two years on behalf of the eight lifeboat stations in Cork.

The RNLI lifeboat stations that will benefit from €15,227.56 are, Youghal, Ballycotton, Crosshaven, Kinsale, Courtmacsherry, Union Hall, Baltimore and Castletownbere. The kayaking team dedicated countless hours on the water, pushing through their challenge with determination. Their hard work and commitment is truly appreciated in supporting our lifesaving efforts, by all of Cork’s RNLI volunteers. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS October 22nd:
Ireland Aim to Lead World in Maritime Tourism

Lighthouse tourism experts meet on Valentia Island this week to plan on turning Ireland into a world-class maritime tourism destination. The Great Lighthouses of Ireland (GLI) annual gathering, which opens in Co Kerry on Monday, will unveil a new 5-year strategy to reach this goal.

It’s an ambitious aim but we are in a unique position here in Ireland to achieve it, says GLI chairperson, Bobby Kerr. “GLI has an all-island partnership model for lighthouse tourism, and we have doubled in size over the last nine years. We want to harness the universal appeal of lighthouses to grow maritime tourism sustainably and boost regional development for coastal communities.” Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS October 18th:
Ireland’s Magical Coastline Showcased at Love Your Coast Photograhy Awards

Clean Coasts’ Love Your Coast photography competition winners have been announced, showcasing the beauty of the Irish coastal landscape, heritage, people, wildlife and underwater scenery in 50 beautiful images.

At an event An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme proudly announced the winning photographers of the 15th edition of the Love Your Coast photography competition, held in Richmond Barracks, Dublin. With a prize fund of €5000, the competition has attracted hundreds of amateur photographers from all around Ireland this year, each with their own unique way of capturing stunning photographs of Ireland’s beautiful coastline.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: William Murphy with his photo ‘An Fear Marbh agus an Fear ag eitilt’, taken at Slea Head Drive, Dingle, Co. Kerry won the overall ‘Photographer of the Year’ title as well as 1st place in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the Clean Coasts 2024 Love Your Coast photography competition. Full story here

MARINE TIMES NEWS October 17th:
Call to Ban Norway from Irish Waters

Fish producers have issued a call to ban Norway from fishing in Irish waters. The Irish Fish Producers Organisation say Norway’s overfishing practices are the main cause of a *scientifically recommended mackerel quota cut of 22% next year, which will hit Ireland hardest.

The IFPO say Irelands small fishing fleet stands to lose over €10 million in 2025 from the mackerel cut, because we have the largest share of the EU western mackerel quotas. “This is a hammer blow for Ireland as we already lost 26 % of our mackerel allowance to the UK in the Brexit deal,” says IFPO chief executive, Aodh O Donnell.

Donegal Fine Gael Councillor Manus Boyle has intensified the call for a total ban on Norwegian fishing vessels in Irish waters, standing united with Irish fishing representatives in the fight to protect the country’s fishing industry.

Fianna Fáil Donegal candidate Pat the Cope Gallagher has labelled the recent fishing activities of Norway as kin to a rogue state, they continue to over fish mackerel as they have for the past number of years ; the 2025 scientific mackerel advice indicates that stocks are crashing, while at the same time Norway is seeking access to the fishing grounds West of Ireland to fish over 60% of the Norwegian Blue Whiting quota.

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has called on the EU to stand up for Irish fishermen and impose sanctions on Norway for flouting scientific advice. Deputy Pringle said: “I have spoken before of the European Union’s failure to impose consequences on countries that set unilateral quotas for mackerel, despite several years of breaching agreements. Full story here

MARINE TIMES PODCAST September:
Does the Government want a fishing industry or does it want to let it continue into terminal decline?
“The Government must be clear --------The industry needs real help…”

Tom MacSweeney interviews Dominic Rihan, Chief Executive ofthe KFO

Our main News story in the September edition reports a fall of more than €37m in landings by the Irish fleet. All sectors of the industry are united in opinion – it is in its worst crisis ever and the Government is not doing enough to support it.

In this month’s Marine Times Podcast the Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Dominic Rihan, discusses the situation with Marine Times Executive News Editor, Tom MacSweeney. A strategic review is needed of where the industry is going, he says and raises the question - does the Government want a fishing industry or does it want to let it continue into terminal decline?

“That is a stark reality,” says Mr.Rihan, “but it has to be recognised.” Listen to the Podcast here

MARINE TIMES PODCAST August:
Do you accept that the fishing industry is in a very serious crisis situation, Minister?

Tom MacSweeney interviews Minister Charlie McConalogue

In the August issue of the Marine Times, Tom MacSweeney interviews Minister McConalogue - challenging him on a number of aspects affecting the fishing industry, asking him questions on why he insists on putting accross the EU oinion to the industry rather than voicing Irish concerns sufficiently, asking him how is it realistic to encourage young people into the Irish fishing industry ....

Listen to the full MARINE TIMES interview with Tom MacSweeney. Listen to the Podcast here

PODCAST 3rd July:
Government and EU must deal with how offshore wind campaigners and biodiversity campaigners are squeezing the fishing industry says leading fisheries CEO

The Chief Executive of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation has warned of potential conflict between fishermen as traditional marine users and the new users of the blue economy.

In the front page leading story of the July edition of the MARINE TIMES, Aodh O’Donnell says there is an impending serious ‘spatial squeeze’ on Ireland’s fishing industry due to the way offshore renewable energy strategy is being implemented nationally, because there has been a failure to co-ordinate the roll-out of ORE and biodiversity strategies with the need to protect the fishing industry and its traditional fishing grounds..

He says that “the fishing sector fully supports the need for climate change measures, but there is a need for balanced thinking and understanding that fishing is a source of food security.

In this MARINE TIMES interview he outlined fishermen’s concerns to Tom MacSweeney. Listen to the Podcast here

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