Marine Times

MARINE TIMES ONLINE NEWS

October edition in all good shops this week or online

Regular news and views from Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper. The printed October edition will be in all good shops and online next week, covering all the major developments as reported by Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper.

News 15th October:
Rosslare Harbour RNLI to receive Vellum honour for ‘Storm Ophelia’ rescue that saved three lives

Lifeboat crew at Rosslare Harbour RNLI, who carried out a rescue on 16 October 2017 during ‘Storm Ophelia’ that saw three lives saved in hurricane conditions, will receive an award from the RNLI for the service. The Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke will receive the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum and the lifeboat crew involved will each receive Vellum Service Certificates.

The rescue took place in conditions described by the lifeboat crew involved as some of the worst they had ever witnessed as they battled 10-metre seas in force 12 conditions. In announcing this award, the RNLI recognised the Coxswain for his boat handling and exemplary leadership in hurricane force weather conditions and the lifeboat crew involved for their teamwork, courage and collective efforts in the rescue of the crew and the yacht. Full story here

Podcast 14th October:
JUST A WORD – THE BUDGET AND THE FISHING INDUSTRY

There was not “something for everyone” in the Budget, particularly not much for the fishing industry. ‘Fisheries’ was mentioned just once, by one of the two Ministers presenting the Budget. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced that “key features of the Budget were - €872 million for Rural Development and Forestry supports, including more than €100 million for the beef and sheep sectors and €80m in farm investments. That made a total of €180 million to agriculture. There was €157 million for fisheries and coastal communities that depend on fishing.

Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, analyses how the Budget treated the fishing industry and suggests that, perhaps, an apology is needed. Listen Here

News 12th October:
Decommissioning and tie-ups will not restore the Irish fishing industry

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD has said that the Report of the Seafood Task Force released yesterday by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will not address the fundamental problems in the Irish Fishing Industry.

Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “The recommendations contained in this report are an acknowledgement of the failure of the Irish Government to stand up and defend Irish fishermen during the Brexit negotiations and subsequent trade deal with Britain. While temporary cessation and voluntary permanent decommissioning may suit a small number of people involved in the fishing industry, for the vast majority these proposals will be another body blow to an industry that is now fighting for it’s survival. Full story here

On this edition - There are about 30 million shipping containers and 6,000 container ships around the world, but what about their safety and security. The programme reveals that UCC Cork and a Kerry company are devising a ‘smart’ container which can be tracked around the world. The programme also captures a special moment for an RNLI Coxswain as he describes how he followed his father and we discover the stories behind the sinking of HMS Wasp off Tory Island, County Donegal. The MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW has incisive and comprehensive coverage of maritime affairs in Ireland.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 1st October:
A SPECIAL MOMENT FOR A LIFEBOAT COXSWAIN

It was a special moment for Dunmore East Coxswain/Mechanic Roy Abrahamsson on Sunday last when he brought the new Shannon class lifeboat for the Waterford Station into the fishing harbour. Roy’s late father, Coxswain/Mechanic Walter Abrahamsson, had brought the boat it was replacing, the Trent class, Elizabeth and Ronald, into Dunmore East in 1996. The new lifeboat is to be named William and Agnes Wray and it’s the first of its class to be based in the South-East

In this week’s Podcast RNLI Media Relations Manager, Niamh Stephenson, talks to Roy Abrahamsson about the new lifeboat. He outlines how the delivery voyage was also a training one. The week before they arrived in Dunmore the crew travelled to RNLI Headquarters in Poole to take charge of the boat. Listen Here

On this edition we discuss the importance of dockers ….. How Dublin’s dock labour workforce discovered that it was women dockers who loaded timber for Ireland and how those women’s FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW are now remembered…….. And we follow our most extraordinary marine visitor to Irish waters this year on the route home. Padraig Whooley of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group whose job it has been to track the wayward walrus who became known as ‘Wally’ will track the way home and that "quizzical look" and he’ll respond to some criticism which IWDG received during Wally’s wanderings around Ireland, with an insight into the extensive work of recording marine species I’d never have expected to see in Irish waters and which are now regularly arriving.... The MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW brings you the most incisive and comprehensive coverage of maritime affairs in Ireland.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 24th September:
TOM CREAN TO BE LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER

Fifty-two metres in length and painted in the signal green colour used on the Marine Institute’s two present research vessels - the Celtic Explorer and the Celtic Voyager – the new RV Tom Crean is an impressive sight and will be launched in Spain in November. At a cost of €25 million she is a replacement for the 31 metre Explorer with completion of building and outfitting scheduled by next Summer.

Aodhán Fitzgerald, Interim Director, Ocean, Climate & Information Services at the Marine Institute, describes the progress of building their new vessel and why it will honour the legendary Kerry explorer. Listen Here

News 24th September:
Labour issues in Irish fishing industry focus of new BIM study

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency is inviting Ireland’s fishing industry to take part in a survey of the labour force as part of a study on current issues facing the industry including recruiting and retaining crew.

The aim of the study, that began in May, is to better understand how crew members working on Irish fishing vessels are employed and how working conditions and benefits within the sector compare to competing sectors in the Irish labour market. Full story here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW --- Will Irish salmon survive the challenges of climate change … Is the European Union biased against Irish fishermen and … Why the past Summer was not a good one for safety on Irish waters ....

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 3rd September:
Demersal Fleet Gets Support – Pelagic Fleet Must Also Be Helped

The €10m Brexit assistance scheme announced by the EU which it has described as “support to the fishery sector” applies only to the demersal fleet. While it has been welcomed, the pelagic fleet which has suffered two-thirds of the losses associated with Brexit share reductions, is not included.

The Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Sean O’Donoghue, says there “has to be a scheme for the pelagic fleet as well”.

While welcoming the announcement of aid, which can be applied to 220 demersal vessels, he said it was disappointing that it has come later than had been sought. It should have been applied from September 1, rather than October 1.

The announcement comes following a recommendation from the Task Force set up by the Minister for the Marine to respond to the Brexit impact.

Sean O’Donoghue responds to the announcement of the assistance scheme on this week’s MARINE TIMES Podcast, talking to Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney Listen Here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW the threat to maritime security, shipping, fishing, ports and navigation aids; The wonderful people of the West who fix old boats; the problems for islands fishermen – will they have a future and, positive news from the angling world ....

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 29th August:
Preserving the Claddagh Boats in Galway

There is a great boating pride in the Claddagh, in the heart of Galway, where the Corrib runs through the western capital. Ciaran Oliver is feeling a mixture of emotions about a boat which was owned by at least five people around Galway and Connemara.

His family history dates back to when the Claddagh was a vibrant fishing community and his great-great uncle. Máirtín, was the last ‘King of the Claddagh’. He is emotional because he has been in the vanguard of a two-year project to return a 96-year-old lady of the sea back to the waters of the Corrib.

The ‘Loveen’ doesn’t go back quite as far as his family history. She is just 96 years old. Ciaran is Commodore of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club which his family helped to found and where he has led the project to restore the ‘Loveen’. The purpose of the club is to maintain, promote and preserve the traditions and history of the Galway Hookers and the culture and tradition around them on the Claddagh, to make sure the next generation know all about these wonderful boats.

The ‘Loveen’ was bought by the late Nick Dolan, a local boatman in the Claddagh and a close friend of the Oliver family, before he died in 2011, after which it was presented to the Port of Galway Sea Scouts and the Club took on the project of restoring it.

She will be returned to the water in September. MARINE TIMES Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, asked Ciaran Oliver for this week’s Podcast, how he felt about reaching the conclusion of the project. Listen Here

Podcast 21st August:
“There has to be equitable treatment for all,” says Islands Chairman

The Chairman of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation, Jerry Early, has called for equitable treatment of all fishermen.

A focus on sustainable seasonal fisheries is needed for the flourishing of island and coastal communities into the future he says.

In the August issue of the Marine Times Newspaper (in shops now), IIMRO state that they want a “re-boot” of the present system, to “rethink” the allocation of fishing opportunities.

“This would benefit communities and families all along the coast – socially, environmentally and culturally,” says the IIMRO Chairman. He is the Podcast speaker this week. Talking to Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, where he outlined the present difficulties. Listen Here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW – a wandering walrus may have a message about climate change in the oceans; a sailor from Tom Crean’s homeplace has no time for anxiety as he sets out on a non-stop voyage around the world; has Ireland lost its rights to Rockall and would you live in a shipping container turned into an apartment on the riverside? As always, a wide variety of maritime topics.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 6th August:
21 WORRIED COASTAL COMMUNITIES

There are 21 concerned and worried communities around the coast who fear that one of their main protections against flooding and coast erosion could be reduced by holidaymakers going to local beaches.

That surprising statistic has been outlined to the MARINE TIMES in an appeal from a national campaign for visitors going to the beaches to be responsible about sand dunes.

Sand dunes are often used as a location where beach-goers find protection against the wind, from sea breezes and use for picnics. But they are a vital source of protection against coastal erosion and over-use of them can cause damage to the extent that they are no longer able to provide protection to coastal communities.

Damage to sand dunes is evident all around the coast according to the Climate Action Regional Offices of which there are four around the country. They have launched a campaign – ‘Sand Dunes, They Protect Us, Let’s Protect Them’ - in collaboration with local authorities and NUI Galway to highlight “the importance and fragility of these natural coastal protections and important habitats.”

“Despite dunes being tough and providing protection from coastal storm events, they are also very fragile,” says David Mellett who is Regional Co-ordinator for the Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. “Unlike the grass in gardens and sports fields, the grasses that bind dunes in place are a not suited to being walked on. These dune grasses and plants die back very quickly with human trampling, leaving the sand free to be blown away. In these cases what looks like coastal erosion is actually erosion driven by human activity.”

He is the MARINE TIMES Podcast guest this week and outlines the campaign to protect sand dunes and appeals to the public to show responsibility when going to the beach. “We encourage people to visit beaches, but please be responsible and understanding of the importance of sand dunes and protecting them.” Listen Here

Will native fish species be forced out of irish waters? This is one of the topics on this edition of the programme which also reports that the offshore island populations want the government to introduce a Bill to protect the future of their islands and that sand dunes all around the coast must be protected because they are a barrier against coastal erosion.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

News 2nd August:
Three Irish lifeboat crews to receive RNLI gallantry awards for saving nine people in dramatic rescue off Wexford coast - Lifeboat Coxswains to receive Bronze Medals

The RNLI is to present three lifeboat crews in Ireland with gallantry awards for their role in a rescue last October that saved nine lives and prevented a 100-metre cargo vessel, carrying 4,000 tonnes of coal, from hitting rocks at Hook Head.

The Coxswains of Dunmore East RNLI, Kilmore Quay RNLI and Rosslare Harbour RNLI are to receive RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry – one of the highest awards presented by the lifesaving charity - while the volunteer lifeboat crews who responded to the callout will each receive Medal Certificates. Recognition will also be given to the crew of Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117, the staff of the National Maritime Operations Centre in Dublin and the Master and Crew of the tug Tramontine. Full story here

Podcast 30th July:
THE ROCKALL PROBLEM CONTINUES

Another development in the Rockall problem this week. Sinn Fein has called on the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and the Marine to begin international arbitration against the British Government.

“It appears that in the absence of the British Government pulling away from their position of exercising a 12-mile limit around Rockall and keeping Irish fishing boats outside that 12-mile limit that, in the absence of the British Government backing down on that position, which is outrageous, that the Irish Government will have to go to arbitration,” Padraig MacLochlainn, SF Fisheries and Marine Spokesman, told the Marine Times.

On this week’s MARINE TIMES PODCAST he outlines to Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, why he is appealing to the government to seek international arbitration against the UK claim of owning Rockall and a 12-mile territorial limit around it which excludes Irish fishing boats.

The August edition of the MARINE TIMES, which will be in the shops next week, will have a comprehensive report on the background to what is happening about Rockall. Listen Here

Podcast 25th July:
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY

More fishermen are using personal safety devises at sea. Lifejackets of various types, while weather clothing gear with personal indicator locators and better boat safety equipment and precautions have all become a standard part of the sea-going process. This is welcome and timely, helping to rid the industry of an old, discredited adage, when it was said that fishermen believed that if they were meant to die at sea it would happen and, because of that sufficient precautions were not taken.

The latest drowning statistics show that the number of people dying in Ireland by drowning has fallen. Last year iIt was the lowest number, at 76, since 1936 when there were 73 deaths. That is a big reduction on the number of deaths by drowning in 2019 which totalled 120.

The figures have been released to the MARINE TIMES by Water Safety Ireland to mark the first-ever World Drowning Prevention Day, today Sunday, July 25th. They show that more men die by drowning than women and that a considerable number of suicides were carried out by drowning.

Our PODCAST guest this week is the Chief Executive of Water Safety Ireland, John Leech who, as a Naval Officer, led the development of the Service’s Diving Unit which has become a major part of Naval search-and-recovery operations.

He gave his reaction to the figures to MARINE TIMES Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney and spoke about World Drowning Prevention Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Worldwide an estimated 235.000 people drown every year. Listen Here

Podcast 23rd July:
THE ‘ROCKY’ PROBLEM ISN’T GOING AWAY!

The Dáil debate about the future of Irish traditional fishing rights around Rockall did not resolve the problems faced by Irish fishermen.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, has said that there are on-going discussions between his Department and Scottish authorities and that these include the Minister for the Marine, Charlie McConalogue and his Department.

Minister Coveney said: “People keep misleading others on this issue. There was never a claim by Ireland that went as far as and beyond the rock of Rockall. That is the truth of the situation, despite what people keep saying to those in the fishing industry which, unfortunately, misleads them and results in an awful lot of tension and anger around this issue. The UK’s clam has not been accepted. The Government continues to work on the Rockall issue to try to ensure that traditional fishing rights around that rock continue - whether it is a squid fishery, haddock or whatever.”

Sinn Fein Spokesman on the Marine and Fisheries, Padraig MacLochlainn, said that “for the past seven months fishermen from Donegal have tried to exercise their traditional rights. They have been denied and blocked.” He accused the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Marine of failing to resolve the issue

The Marine Times is investigating the situation further for the August edition of the paper. Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, analyses the current situation Listen Here

There are 1,000 kilometres of inland waterways between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The CEO of Waterways Ireland which manages them, John McDonagh, discusses plans for the future of this vast resource on this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 10th July:
Fr Duffy vs the Fisheries Committe - Plus, Is the EU Common Fisheries Policy a form of colonial exploitation of Ireland?

Donegal County Councillors that are members of the Fisheries Committee have taken issue with Fr. John Joe Duffy of Creeslough over his outspoken criticism of Fisheries Minister Charlie McConalogue. Fr. Duffy has been defended by the CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation (See clipping from Donegal News – Click on image to enlarge).

More on our website for background on the concern of the fishing industry and the coastal communities and the MARINE TIMES view – tune into our current Podcast - Is the EU Common Fisheries Policy a form of colonial exploitation of Ireland? Listen Here

On this edition of the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW, the programme takes listeners deep sea into the darkest areas of the North Atlantic, where an Irish diver describes descending to the wreck site of the TITANIC in a new type of submersible. “This can be dangerous, but exciting work,” says Rory Golden, one of Ireland’s leading divers, who is on his third mission to the wreck site and remembers the Irish people, “those most important to us,” as he descends to the depths and describes what he sees.

Also on the programme, what was seen through the port hole of the yacht once owned by former Taoiseach Charles Haughey … and, while more leisure craft on the water are a welcome increase in maritime interest, the dangers of speeding in harbours are discussed.

The programme is presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney:

There is also a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 3rd July:
IS THE EU COMMON FISHERIES POLICY A FORM OF COLONIAL EXPLOITATION OF IRELAND?

In this month’s edition of the MARINE TIMES, our editorial is headed:‘EU Colonial Exploitation of Irish Fishing Waters Is No Longer Acceptable.’ It was decided to raise this issue after hearing the views of various fishing industry organisation representatives, boat owners, fishermen and their families during the recent public demonstrations.

Why does Ireland face another round of ‘decommissioning’ which effectively means removing fishermen from their jobs, their culture, their tradition, when they have made it clear that they want to go on fishing and at a time when other, stronger and bigger EU nations can continue to extract much bigger catches from Irish waters than Irish fishermen are allowed?

This week Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue told the EU Fisheries Council that he would be “making the renegotiation of quota shares Ireland’s priority in the upcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy.” We see this as a positive political statement emanating since the fishing industry demonstrations.

In this week’s Podcast, Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, discusses our editorial in this month’s edition, now on sale in the shops and with a digital version available here on the MARINE TIMES website. Listen Here

Podcast 26th June:
Quality Needs Discussion

“Quality is never an accident. Achieving it is the result of intelligent effort.” That old adage underlines an issue which is gradually being brought to public attention at the forefront of the controversy over the new weighing requirements for Irish fish on the quaysides at fishing ports. We identify these quayside issues with our Podcast guest this week, the well-known Cork fish merchant Pat O’Connell, who expresses concern about the impact of the changes on his business.

Pat, who heads up K.O’Connell Fish Merchants at the famous English Market in Cork which is named after his mother who started the business, became an international figure when he met Queen Elizabeth on her visit to the Market.

The issues he outlines are serious and deserve more discussion. By its action in withdrawing the derogation the EU is causing a potential degradation of the quality of Irish seafood, by necessitating its de-icing for unloading at the quayside, weighing and then repacking.. Additionally, there is a potential health and safety issue created on the quayside as Pat outlines. In support of fishermen on their demonstrations in Cork and Dublin he said: “For those in government please listen - These men and women have genuine concerns about the future of their industry.”

The EU and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority would do well to take note of what he says about the situation now created on fishing port quaysides. Listen Here

Lough Corrib, its history entwined with the maritime history of the West of Ireland; preserving the iconic Galway Hookers in Galway City; the first experience of a search-and-rescue pilot and, trying to get a Parish Priest to sell a picture of Ireland’s tall ship. These are all storylines on the new edition of the maritime programme presented by Tom MacSweeney, the MARITIME IRELAND RADIO SHOW. As always, I hope, this is an interesting edition of the programme which you will enjoy.

There will also be a new blog on the programme website at: tommacsweeneymarine.ie

Listen on Spotify Here -:- Listen on Apple Podcasts Here -:- Listen on Mixcloud Here

Podcast 11th June:
Why Do Fishermen Keep Fishing?

On this week’s Podcast Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, talks to a man who has been 35 years in the industry, but is worried about the future. How would the Taoiseach and the Marine Minister answer what the fisherman says? Listen Here

Podcast 4th June:
Islanders Request Taoiseach to Intervene Personally in Fisheries Situation – Did the Taoiseach Read the Letter?

Comhdháil Oileán na hEireann, the Islands’ Federation, has called on the Taoiseach to intervene personally in the difficult situation facing the fishing industry. “We consider it appropriate for you to personally intervene in this serious situation. We implore you to act to prevent the loss of hundreds of jobs, a way of life and a key element to coastal communities, Irish heritage and tradition,” wrote Aisling Moran, Chair of the Comhdháil.

The Taoiseach’s Department referred the letter to the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine.

“Taoiseach Martin, a chara,

“As the representative organisation for Ireland’s offshore islands, you can understand our concern regarding the historic and on-going treatment of our fisherpersons. This is a matter of huge importance regarding island community livelihoods and sustainability not to mention heritage and traditions.

“Island communities are intimately acquainted with the consequences of changes to fishing rights and regulations inflicted through the years. Islanders are by nature people of the sea: to sacrifice their ability to make a living though life-learned skills they are passionate about is beyond unreasonable. This continued decimation of the Irish fleet has been magnified with the onset of Brexit and the Irish fishing industry is fighting for its life.

“As Taoiseach we consider it appropriate for you to personally intervene in this serious situation: we implore you to act to prevent the loss of hundreds of jobs, a way of life and a key element to coastal communities, Irish heritage and tradition. We ask all involved with the control and regulation of the fishing industry to have a hard look at the consequences of their actions against a proud and respected Irish livelihood. There is a better way.

Regards,
Aisling Moran, Chair
Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann”

In this week’s MARINE TIMES Podcast Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, analyses the response given to the Federation and asks whether the Taoiseach read the letter and why he did not reply personally to a request made to him personally. Listen to the Podcast Here

Podcast 29th May:
Without Fishing Kilmore Quay Will Die!

This week’s fisheries demonstration in Cork was the biggest public expression of fishermen’s anger and discontent with lack of support from government. It was described as “a gentle but powerful shot across the bows of the Minister for the Marine.”

The June edition of the MARINE TIMES, in the shops next week, will haver exrensive coverage of the event in words and pictures.

Fishing and coastal communities have expressed the feelings strongly. The demonstration was widely supported along the South/West, the South and South/East.

Seamus and Denis O’Flaherty led a contingent of beamers from Kilmore Quay and on this week’s MARINE TIMES PODCAST, tell Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, why there is so much frustration amongst fishermen. Listen Here

Podcast 22nd May:
Coastal Communities Are On The Edge Of Survival

With the fishermen of the South West due to demonstrate at Cork Port on Wednesday to show the public how badly they say they are being treated by the government and the EU, the Chief Executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation says it is a "crazy scenario that the public might not believe, but it is true, that we are down to being allowed to catch 15 per cent of the fish in Irish waters."

Patrick Murphy tells the Marine Times that fishermen don't want to have to demonstrate to highlight their case, but that they have no choice. "We are asking the public to please, please support us," he says.

This will not be a protest and will not inconvenience the public, he tells Deputy Editor Tom MacSweeney. “This is a ‘show-and-tell’ demonstration of what is being done to the industry, which is being discussed and arranged in agreement with Cork Port. Listen Here