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Marine Times - Weekender: Saturday 4th July

Print edition back in all good shops NOW!

News, opinion and comment on the week from the Marine Times, Ireland’s leading maritime publication. Printed edition published monthly. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES here on marinetimes.ie

  • Editorial

    It's .... AND MARINE! 

    The new Marine Minister has said that the fishing and maritime community should not feel concerned because he is from a landlocked county. 52-year-old Barry Cowen from Clara in County Offaly was responding to mixed reaction from the marine sector to his appointment. He is brother of former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, after whose retirement from the Dáil he was elected. An auctioneer and valuer by profession, he was Fianna Fail spokesman on Public Expenditure and Reform in the last Dáil.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    Where Better To Explore Than A Coastline Near You?

    There could be at least one very positive benefit from Covid 19 and that is the level of interest being taken in Nature by the Irish population. That could particularly benefit the marine sphere, says our guest on this week’s MARINE TIMES PODCAST, Dr. Simon Berrow who is Chief Executive of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and a columnist with the Marine Times.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Penalty Points ... Again!

    The EU Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Ireland over its failure to fulfil its obligations under Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 (also ‘'Control Regulation'') establishing a Community control systemfor ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

    Read the full article here»



Coastal communities share how important the Ocean is to their communities »

Coastal Communities are the focus on the Marine Institute's Oceans of Learning series. The Marine Institute and partners are celebrating our world's shared ocean and our connection to the sea in a 10-week series, sharing news and offering online interactive activities, videos and downloadable resources on a new marine topic each week.

A series of watercolour illustrations and interviews have captured the importance of the ocean to coastal communities in Ireland and Wales as part of BlueFish, an EU-funded project. Through engaging with coastal communities using art, BlueFish links knowledge and understanding of the marine resources and the potential impacts of climate change on the Irish and Celtic Sea ecosystem.

News Roundup for the Week »

Fifteen aquaculture companies in seven counties – Galway, Donegal, Slio, Kerry, Waterford, Mayo and Cork are undertaking expansion with a total investment of over €3m., with the Department of Marine through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme providing grants of €1.2m.

Also in our roundup: Routine shellfish monitoring by the Marine Institute along South West and West coasts has detected increased levels of naturally occurring toxins compounds in recent weeks. Such levels are common at this time of the year and are due to microscopic phytoplankton species blooming in coastal waters during the warmer and longer days of summer, the institute says.


international news »

A new supply chain led initiative, focused on driving improvements to the management of the North East Atlantic fisheries for mackerel, herring and blue whiting has been established. The formal creation of the group is the latest step in a project which began in 2019 in response to the suspension of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) North East Atlantic mackerel fishery certification.

Also, over the past year work has been underway to develop a project to reduce marine litter at Northern Ireland’s largest fishing ports. The Marine Litter Management project was born from a meeting of the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Safety Forum. At a meeting last year members agreed that action was needed to address litter in the ports

£60m funding boost will see Belfast build zero emissions ferries »

A Belfast Maritime Consortium led by Artemis Technologies has won a £33 million UK Government innovation grant to develop zero emissions ferries in the city, that will revolutionise the future of maritime transport. With further investment from consortium partners, the total project investment will reach close to £60m over the next four years, creating an initial 125 research and development jobs, and leading to more than 1,000 in the region over the next 10 years.

The 13 partner syndicate - which is a mix of established and young companies, including Belfast Harbour and Bombardier, academia and local public bodies - is the only Northern Irish or maritime recipient of the UK Research and Innovation flagship Strength in Places Fund.


TOM MacSWEENEY THIS ISLAND NATION PODCAST

GENERATIONS

On the new edition of THIS ISLAND NATION, the maritime programme - the story of five generations of an Achill Island family and its connection with the sea and – instead of going abroad on holiday this year, why not explore the Irish coastline?

There is also the story of the disappearance of an entire colony of seabirds – no one knows where they’ve gone and the programme reports how “Ireland’s closest port to Europe” will be changed by a €30m development.

As always, a wide variety of items about the sea on the maritime programme presented by Marine Times Deputy Editor Tom MacSweeney.

THIS ISLAND NATION is supported by Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper, the MARINE TIMES



Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 26th June

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES publishes this WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Government Discrimination! 

    As the MARINE TIMES returns to printed publication after three months of enforced suspension due to Covid 19 it is necessary, as Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper, to highlight State discrimination against the fishing industry and the aquaculture sector.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    Achill Oysters Urge Restaurants to Source Irish Seafood to Aid Recovery From Covid-19

    Five generations of O’Malley’s have made a living from the sea in Achill. Hugh O’Malley, owner of Achill Oysters, producing Irish rock oysters for the domestic and international market, has urged restaurants to include local oysters and seafood on their menus to help offset the economic impact of COVID-19. He talks to Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, on this week’s Podcast about the importance of bringing Irish aquaculture to the attention of the public.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Irreparable Damage on Coastal Communities

    The country’s four fish producer organisations have made another joint appeal to Minister for the Marine Michael Creed and his Department to meet them to discuss an improved system of help to the industry to overcome the impact of Covid 19.

    Read the full article here»



Go Domhain san Fhuil (Deep in the Blood) »

A day in the life of the few remaining boats that fish out of Magheraroarty in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Fishing is an inter-generational activity in many Gaeltacht communities, including Magheraroarty in West Donegal.

It's a small horseshoe shaped bay, with a stone pier facing out towards Inis Bó Finne, a small island with a strong link to the mainland. Go Domhain san Fhuil is a 2 part series for BBC Gaeilge featuring three of the few remaining boats that fish out of Machaire Rabhartaigh in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

News Roundup for the Week »

The British Government is said to have become “extremely intransigent” in Brexit negotiations, opposing the linking of fisheries to a trade deal. Malin Head fishermen have continued to V-notch berried female lobsters implementing a conservation measure at their own expense.

Also in our roundup: The entire Killala Unit of the Coast Guard in County Mayo has been “stood down”. Personnel issues have also been reported in the past few weeks in Units at Dunmore East in County Waterford and Crosshaven in County Cork. The Killala Unit covered a wide coastline area in North Mayo.


international news »

Europêche is challenging the EU Commission’s new biodiversity strategy. “It wants to ban fishing in 10% of waters and limit activity in 30%, as well as a ban on bottom trawling,” according to Javier Garat, President of European industry’s representative organisation.

Fish scales, normally a by-product of food preparation, can be used to make electronic devices and food bags. Research work is successfully developing these uses rather than disposal of the scales. And in the USA, the American Chemical Society has revealed details of research work which has shown how fish scales can be used instead of plastic to make electronic devices more environmentally friendly.

‘Sea how to Draw’ classes online »

The Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme is delighted to launch its Explorers SEA how to Draw series, providing up to fourteen online drawing classes, delivered by popular cartoonist and author Dr John Joyce over the summer months.

Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute welcomed the Explorers initiative and collaboration with John Joyce. “As the Marine Institute’s former communications manager, John has always been a strong advocate of the Explorers Education programme, raising awareness and engagement about our connection with the ocean. His cartoon drawings have engaged people of all ages and the humorous representations of scientists, marine animals, research ships and equipment continue to provide an engaging way to connect with scientists, researchers and the wider community at large.”


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 19th June

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES publishes this WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    How Can This Be Fair Treatment? 

    The MARINE TIMES takes pride in its claim to be Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper, in which role we seek to reflect the opinions of the fishing industry, the coastal communities and the maritime sector. There are times in marine journalism when we come across issues which we find difficult to understand.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    Fishing Industry Treated Disgracefully by Government

    On this week’s Podcast Hugo Boyle, Chief Executive of the Irish South and East Fish Producers’ Organisation responds to the Government’s allocation of €50m. to Ireland’s beef farmers and €25m. to the Arts and Culture section, but a miserable allocation of funding to fishermen for Covid 19 assistance, which he describes as “a disgrace”.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    UK Gets More Intransigent About Brexit

    The UK are being extremely intransigent in the negotiations with the EU about Brexit as they increased opposition to linking a fisheries agreement about access to their waters with trade deal between Britain and the EU. Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation Chief Executive, Sean O’Donoghue, told the Marine Times this week that this has become very clear.

    Read the full article here»



Explore Ireland’s Coastal Communities in Oceans of Learning series »

In Ireland, 1.9 million people live within 5km of the coast and many communities along the Irish coast depend on industries such as tourism, fishing and aquaculture. Furthermore, there is now mounting evidence that the ocean plays a key role in the general wellbeing of our coastal communities.

This week’s Oceans of Learning series will explore the importance of Ireland’s Coastal Communities, with resources from the Marine Institute, Commissioners of Irish Lights, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Galway City Museum and the Explorers Education Programme. Over 10 weeks, the Marine Institute and partners are celebrating our world’s shared ocean and our connection to the sea in our Oceans of Learning series, sharing news and offering online interactive activities, videos and downloadable resources on a new marine topic each week.

News Roundup for the Week »

IFA Aquaculture is continuing to lobby the Department of Agriculture, Food (DAFM) and the Marine and Bord Iascaigh Mhara for “urgent, powerful and extraordinary” supportive measures. According to the IFA Aquaculture Executive, Teresa Morrissey, these measures are needed “in order to prevent the COVID-19 emergency from having irreversible negative impacts on the normal operation of Irish aquaculture.”

Also in our roundup: There is considerable anger in the fishing industry at the way it has been treated by the Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed and his Department and particularly in the wake of €75m. aid from the Irish Exchequer being given direct to beef farmers.


international news »

Scotland’s two largest fishing associations are urging the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to investigate and charge skippers who put lives in danger at sea. It follows the latest in a series of incidents dating back many years involving gill-netters which pose serious risks to vessels and crew operating in the Atlantic and North Sea. Last week a Spanish-owned, German-registered vessel tried to run a rope through the propeller of a Shetland whitefish trawler.

In a joint statement, the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association (SWFPA) and Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) said the MCA must start taking action before a fatality occurred.

UPDATE on NEXT edition of the marine times »

In late March we made the difficult decision to postpone printing of the Marine Times Newspaper during the Covid-19 restrictions. We truly appreciate everyones understanding and support of our decision.

THE GOOD NEWS is we are now planning a return to the shops around this great Island Nation and work is now complete on our next issue which will be in shops later this week.    

Thank you for your continued support - Mark Mc Carthy, Editor


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 12th June

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES publishes this WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Little To Be Encouraged About In FF and FG Approach to Marine 

    The Chief Executive of ISME, the Irish independent representative association for Small and Medium Enterprises, told the Dáil Committee on Covid 19 this week how difficult it is to deal with the “upper reaches of the public service and executive.” There are many in the fishing industry who will find agreement with that opinion from their own experience.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    Aquaculture Not Understood

    On this week’s Podcast the very difficult situation in which the aquaculture sector has been placed because of Covid 19 and the lack of immediate support from the State to assist the country’s fish farmers is outlined by the IFA’s Aquaculture Executive, Teresa Morrissey. She tells Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, that there is a lack of understanding of what the sector is facing. Without an immediate response, there is a strong possibility of long-term damage, with the shellfish sector likely to be particularly impacted. The IFA has offered a number of proposals for assistance to the Department of the Marine and BIM, without positive response so far.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    State Has Not Offered Assistance To Aquaculture Sector

    There is a general lack of understanding of the aquaculture sector, according to the IFA’s Aquaculture Executive who has warned that urgent action is needed by the government to deal with the impact on the sector caused by the Covid 19 crisis. After several discussions with the Department of the Marine and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, no formal assistance has been offered from the State, “If the situation is not addressed urgently, there will be an even bigger and more difficult position to face, particularly in the shellfish sector,” according to Teresa Morrissey, IFA Aquaculture Executive

    Read the full article here»



New book Surviving the Storms showcases incredible rescue by Irish lifeboat crews »

A new book providing a collection of first-hand accounts of some of the most dramatic rescues carried out by RNLI lifesavers around Ireland and the UK over the past 20 years, features an incredible feat of bravery by a Cork lifeboat crew and an incredible feat of bravery by Portrush man and former RNLI station mechanic, Anthony Chambers.

Told in the words of Castletownbere RNLI Coxswain Dean Hegarty, it provides a first-hand account of the dramatic rescue of a fishing crew in storm force conditions after their vessel lost all power at the harbour entrance of Castletownbere in West Cork. Six lives were saved that night and the Coxswain is set to receive a medal for gallantry, and the crew and launching authority, letters of thanks from the Institution. The book Surviving the Storms is on sale now with royalties from all sales supporting the lifesaving charity.

News Roundup for the Week »

The Minister for the Marine has announced €3.5 million in new investment by six seafood processing companies, with his Department’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Programme providing grants of €1,081,192. The grants are co-funded by the Government and the European Union.

Also in our roundup: The UK has been accused of trying to “cherry pick” what it wants to achieve from the Brexit negotiations with the EU. Fisheries appears to be included in this approach where it wants a separate deal from any general trade agreement. This week the EU's Brexit lead negotiator Michel Barnier said he will “not allow cherry picking" by the UK in the talks between the two sides on a future trade deal.


international news »

In Scotland, a new package worth up to £2 million, aimed at helping the industry during the coronavirus (COVID-19), means that Scottish vessels will be able to diversify into new markets and access additional fish quotas around the North Sea and west coast of Scotland.

Also, According to reports in the USA President Donald Trump has announced that he will open up a 5,000 square mile conservation area in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New England to commercial fishing. The move allows commercial fishing to resume in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a sanctuary created in 2016 during the Obama administration. It also cancels a planned phase out of red crab and lobster fisheries in the area.

UPDATE on NEXT edition of the marine times »

In late March we made the difficult decision to postpone printing of the Marine Times Newspaper during the Covid-19 restrictions. We truly appreciate everyones understanding and support of our decision.

THE GOOD NEWS is we are now planning a return to the shops around this great Island Nation and are starting work on our next issue which will be in shops from later in the month and you can now pre-order a copy to be sent directly to your door for just €3.60 inc p&p.

Thank you for your continued support - Mark Mc Carthy, Editor


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 5th June

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES publishes this WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Will the EU Stand By the Irish Fishing Industry? 

    An agreement for continued fishing access to UK waters is vital for the Irish industry. That has been declared a priority by the Government in the Brexit negotiations. Mackerel and Prawns are particularly important for the Irish fleet, with estimates that as much as 40 per cent of Irish catches of these species come from what would be regarded as British waters.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    Kevin Flannery

    'Fishermen must be involved in development of Marine Protected Areas'

    Kevin Flannery has been involved in the maritime world for over 50 years and is one of its most respected and authoritative voices. He is our guest on this week’s Podcast where he talks about the impending development of Marine Protected Areas and stresses the importance of including fishermen in consultation and development of them.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Will There Be A Fisheries Brexit Deal?

    “The fisheries element of the Brexit negotiations is going to get very difficult,” the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, admitted in the Dáil this week. He was responding to increasing concern that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is attempting to exclude fisheries from any trade deal with the European Union. This was raised by Pearse Doherty, Deputy Leader of Sinn Fein and Brendan Howlin, former Labour Party Leader.

    Read the full article here»



Latest Updates on Covid-19 Tie-Up Scheme »

65 of 104 Tie-Up Applications Approved; Producer Organisations Get No Further Response from Marine Minister; Tie-Up Funding Won’t Even Cover Insurance Payments

A total of 104 applications were received for the Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme for the month of June. Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which is administering the scheme says that 9 did not fully complete their applications, 5 missed the closing date, but have been offered an alternative tie-up month, 25 were closed and so 67 applicants were initially approved to tie-up in the month of June. However, two of those approved applicants did not hand in their sea fishing licences as required under the conditions of the scheme, so only 65 have been finally approved.

News Roundup for the Week »

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority has warned that there must be compliance with EU regulations by those engaged in “recreational fishing” during the Summer. This comes after the re-opening of the crab and lobster fishery for “recreational fishers” at the start of May. There is a particular warning that taking small crabs out of the population damages future breeding potential.

Also in our roundup we feature Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd., of Killala, County Mayo, who have acquired the Dublin company, HJ Nolan, whose products will be produced in Mayo. Both are now part of the Swedish Mondi Group which took over Carr six years ago.

Also Northern Ireland Fisheries Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced a stg£360,000 emergency support package for the region’s aquaculture sector.


international news »

The European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, has announced that the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is to be increased by €500 million.

“The additional funding is part of the EU Recovery Package and follows earlier support measures to alleviate the immediate socio-economic impact on the sector,” the Commissioner said, announcing that the Commission will work closely with EU countries “to ensure that the additional funding contributes to a swift recovery, in line with the European Green Deal and the ambitions of the Common Fisheries Policy.”

He said that, for many coastal communities, who strongly rely on fisheries for their livelihoods, the social-economic impact of the coronavirus crisis was – and still is – dramatic.

UPDATE on NEXT edition of the marine times »

In late March we made the difficult decision to postpone printing of the Marine Times Newspaper during the Covid-19 restrictions. We truly appreciate everyones understanding and support of our decision.

THE GOOD NEWS is we are now planning a return to the shops around this great Island Nation and are starting work on our next issue which will be in shops from later in the month and you can now pre-order a copy to be sent directly to your door for just €3.60 inc p&p.

Thank you for your continued support - Mark Mc Carthy, Editor


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 29th May

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES publishes this WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Minister Need Not Have Bothered 

    Marine Minister Michael Creed sent a long, detailed letter, to the country’s four fish producer organisations after they accused him and his Department last week of turning their backs on the industry. It was an explanation of why he had rejected the joint proposal put forward by the producers for a scheme of assistance to the fishing industry in the current crisis caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. Their proposal was an alternative to his Department’s temporary tie-up scheme.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    The guest interviewee on our Podcast this week is Hugo Boyle, Chief Executive Officer of the South and East Fish Producers’ Organisation. He talks to Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, about the current situation of the industry for his members, following the rejection by Marine Minister Michael Creed of the proposal by the country’s four fish producer organisations for assistance to the industry to deal with the problems of the Covid 19 Pandemic.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    104 Applications For Department’s Scheme

    One hundred and four applications were made to the Department of the Marine’s Temporary Fleet Tie-up Scheme by the time the first closing date for applications closed on Wednesday. Bord Iascaigh Mhara, responsible for administering the scheme on behalf of the Minister, said that 104 applications had been received for inclusion in the scheme for the month of June. Applications for July and August will be accepted until June 20 and July 20 respectively.

    Read the full article here»



UPDATE on NEXT edition of the marine times »

In late March we made the difficult decision to postpone printing of the Marine Times Newspaper during the Covid-19 restrictions. We truly appreciate everyones understanding and support of our decision.

THE GOOD NEWS is we are now planning a return to the shops around this great Island Nation and are starting work on our next issue which will be in shops from later in the month and you can now pre-order a copy to be sent directly to your door for just €3.60 inc p&p.

Thank you for your continued support - Mark Mc Carthy, Editor

government need to finally act on the urgent appeals from our fishing communities in crisis »

The government need to finally act on the urgent appeals from our fishing communities in crisis according to Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD. Minister’s scheme labeled “useless” and “not fit for purpose” by the Irish fishing industry

The Donegal Sinn Féin TD, has again called on the Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed to work with his government colleagues to deliver the financial supports needed to “bail out our coastal fishing communities in this unprecedented crisis”. Deputy Mac Lochlainn was speaking following the issuing of press releases by all of the fish producer organisations, appealing to the Minister to “meet them half way” and deliver the financial supports needed.


Oceans of Learning focuses on Food From Our Ocean »

Exploring the science behind our seafood with 'Food from our Ocean' is the first topic in the Marine Institute's Oceans of Learning series. The Marine Institute and partners are celebrating our world's shared ocean and our connection to the sea through an Oceans of Learning series, sharing news and offering online interactive activities, videos and downloadable resources on a new marine topic each week.

Oceans serve as the world's largest source of protein, with more than 3 billion people depending on the oceans as their primary source of protein. With the United Nations anticipating the global population to grow to 9.8 billion by 2050, seafood has a critically important role to play in global food security and nutrition for our growing population.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS »

New Zealand Protection for Sea Birds

Better protection for seabirds is being put in place with a new National Plan of Action to reduce fishing-related captures, New Zealand Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced recently. The National Plan of Action for Seabirds 2020 outlines our commitment to reduce fishing-related captures and associated seabird deaths. The new plan follows wide public consultation launched in November last year. “The plan focuses on innovative solutions and education to reduce seabird bycatch. It seeks to ensure fishing operators know how to avoid catching seabirds and take the appropriate steps to do so,” said Stuart Nash.


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 22nd May

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Minister Creed and His Department Do Not Appreciate the Importance of the Fishing Industry 

    “I’ve never witnessed anger like it in the sector.”

    That was a strong and blunt comment by the Chief Executive of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, Sean O’Donoghue when Ireland’s four major fish producer organisations told the Minister for the Marine and his Department officials that the fishing industry now felt they had turned their backs on the industry. It has not often enough that these four organisations have been so unified. It is good for the industry that they are. Their vehemence in condemnation of Minister Creed and his Departmental advisors reflects the strong feeling in the industry that it is being neglected.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcasts

    Sean O’Donoghue, CEO, Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation, tells Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, why Ireland’s four major fishing industry organisations have accused Marine Minister Michael Creed and his officials officials of ‘turning their backs’ on the fishing industry.

    Listen to the podcast here»

    Teresa Morrissey, IFA Aquaculture Executive, says that they are waiting for a response from the Department of the Marine to proposals which IFA has made for assistance to the aquaculture sector. She tells the Marine Times Deputy Editor, Tom MacSweeney, that the shellfish sector, in particular, needs an urgent decision.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Ireland’s Producer Organisations Accuse Minister Creed And His Officials Officials Of ‘Turning Their Backs’ On The Fishing Industry

    The country’s four fish producer organisations have made a unified criticism of the Marine Minister and his Department who they accuse of “turning their backs” on the fishing industry. The Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation (IFPO), the Irish South and East Fish Producers (ISEFPO), the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation (ISWFPO) and the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) have joined forces to issue what a blunt, direct condemnation of Minister Michael Creed and his officials.

    Read the full article here»



UPDATE on NEXT edition of the marine times »

In late March we made the difficult decision to postpone printing of the Marine Times Newspaper during the Covid-19 restrictions. We truly appreciate everyones understanding and support of our decision.

We have been providing this weekly news update with podcasts throughout the pandemic situation and will continue to do so freely for our coastal family.

THE GOOD NEWS is we are now planning a return to the shops around this great Island Nation and are starting work on our June issue which will be in shops from mid-June.

Thank you for your continued support - Mark Mc Carthy, Editor

News roundup »

Domestic Coastal And Marine Could Help “Reboot” Tourism Sector

A survey report from NUI Galway says that “marine active” holidaymakers would be a major area to develop to support a revival of the tourist industry after Covid 19. This is mainly because marine-focussed visitors tend to stay longer and spend more than the average visitor in the areas they go to, according to NUIG’s Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU). Total expenditure by domestic tourists in coastal areas was estimated to be €698 million in 2018, which represents 35% of the total expenditure by domestic tourists that year, the study says.


AQUACULTURE SECTOR AND PARTICULARLY SHELLFISH NEEDS URGENT SUPPORT DECISION »

IFA Aquaculture has sent proposals to the Department of the Marine about supports which the sector is seeking. These follow meetings the IFA has held with the Department. A response to the proposals is awaited.

Support is particularly needed by the shellfish and processing sector, according to the IFA’s Aquaculture Executive, Teresa Morrissey. The finfish sector is “operating pretty well, considering all the constraints around the sector,” she told the MARINE TIMES. The shellfish sector is, however, in a more immediate situation, with a lot of overstocking due to problems caused in the markets by the Covid 19 Pandemic.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS »

Big-brained minnows of tomorrow could face cognitive challenges in warmer waters

Climate change could leave freshwater fish with bigger brains but a reduced ability to effectively explore their surroundings, scientists have found. In order to survive, the world’s aquatic life will need to adapt to the warmer waters which global heating will produce in the coming decades. New research by University of Glasgow biologists suggests that the physiological changes fish will undergo in warmer rivers might require them to trade brains for brawn, with potentially challenging consequences.


COVID-19 TEMPORARY TIE-UP SCHEME OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

Full details here

Following the recent announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, T.D, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, has today (Tuesday, 19th May, 2020) launched a temporary voluntary fleet tie-up scheme designed to assist in adjusting the supply of fish coming onto a market that is currently depressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect quota availability for later in the year. The Scheme will be implemented under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014-20, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Commission.

Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 15th May

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    When Will The Nation Wake-Up To The Importance Of The Fishing Industry? 

    The arrest of another non/Irish fishing boat in the past week off West Cork for alleged breaches of the fisheries regulations and the pictures posted on social media at the weekend of 13 lorries lined up at Castletownbere to load catches from French and Spanish boats landing there, to be taken out of Ireland without benefit to the Irish economy, underlines again the tragedy of political and economic neglect of the vast potential in Irish fishing waters.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcast

    Leading The World In Aquaculture

    Ireland is at the forefront of aquaculture where it has made world-leading advances. The industry is vital to the country and to seafood supplies. That is the view of this week’s interviewee on the Marine Times Podcast - Richard Donnelly, Development and Innovation Manager at Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the national seafood development agency.

    “When you look at aquaculture and you think of being innovative, be it in finance, be it in technology, you can go – yes, the brain power is in Ireland and so we’re just harnessing our brain power."

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Making Ireland The ‘Silicon’ Valley For Aquaculture Innovation

    Bord Iascaigh Mhara is searching for entrepreneurs who can make a major impact on Ireland’s aquaculture sector. The aim, according to Richard Donnelly, the national seafood agency’s Development and Innovation Manager, is to make Ireland “the silicon valley for aquaculture innovation.”

    Read the full article here»



unique data from the bottom of the Atlantic »

Unique ocean-bottom recordings of North Atlantic earthquakes and the songs of great baleen whales offshore Ireland have been obtained thanks to one of the boldest deep-ocean research projects ever undertaken in Europe.

The SEA-SEIS project, led by scientists from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), deployed a network of state-of-the-art ocean bottom seismometers across the Irish offshore area, to the west of Ireland, in 2018.

News roundup »

Navy Detains Fifth Vessel For Alleged Fisheries Offences

The Naval Service has detained five fishing boats so far this year for alleged breaches of fishing regulations. The fifth was French-registered and arrested 120 nautical miles south-west of Mizen Head off the West Cork coastline. It was escorted to Castletownbere to be turned over to Gardai for further action.


Nurturing Green Shoots in the Irish Sea »

We are in tough times lads and some realistic news getting into the system on the difficulties which are being experienced in the Markets.

Dr Ronán Cosgrove, Fisheries Conservation Manager, BIM reports: As the Irish Fishing Industry continues to deal with ¬the fall-out from the Covid-19 crisis, its essential that landings are tailored to available markets, and catches are optimised to make best use of available resources. While Nephrops exports remain hampered due to the Italian market collapse, sales of demersal fish species are faring slightly better. As Industry reliance on such species increases, it is imperative that unwanted catches - formerly known as discards - are minimised to boost fish stock sustainability and to maximise economic returns on available quotas.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS »

Scientists successfully develop heat resistant coral to fight bleaching

A team of scientists has successfully produced in a laboratory setting a coral that is more resistant to increased seawater temperatures. The team included researchers from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the University of Melbourne. Corals with increased heat tolerance have the potential to reduce the impact of reef bleaching from marine heat waves, which are becoming more common under climate change.


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 8th May

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    The Industry Strikes Back 

    There is a considerable level of anger within the fishing industry over Irish national media coverage which described Ireland as heavily overfishing, based on questionable analysis by a British research group that has a strong environmental background. The analysis has also been contradicted by the EU Maritime Directorate. Too often, the fishing industry has suffered such unwarranted criticism and not sufficiently hit back. This time it is different and the industry has struck back strongly, describing aspects of the media coverage as “unfair” and “poor journalism”.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcast

    Fishermen Are Fed Up With Negative Media Coverage

    “Fishermen want to stay fishing, they want to protect the stocks. If they go out of business because the stocks are destroyed, the millions and millions of Euros that they have invested in their business goes nowhere, it’s gone and fishermen are fed up risking their lives to catch fish and to come back into shore to be met with this negative media attention that is just not correct.” So says the Chief Executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation, Patrick Murphy.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Fishing Industry Challenges Overfishing Reports

    The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation and the Irish South and West Fish Producers have contradicted allegations made by the UK ‘think tank,’ the New Economics Foundation which claimed that it had analysed catches fish catches for a 20-year period and that Ireland was amongst five nations which was one of the ‘top five EU States’ which, it alleged, were overfishing.

    Read the full article here»



online learning for Skipper Training Programme »

The Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) National Fisheries College of Ireland in Castletownbere, Co. Cork is piloting the Skipper Full Certificate of Competency as an online course, commencing this week (6th May 2020).

The Skipper Full Programme will be conducted as a nine-week online course, followed by three weeks in situ in Castletownbere once the college can open for the new academic term in accordance with covid restrictions. This is a popular full-time course, designed for fishermen with a Second-Hand Full Certificate of Competency, and 12 months sea time in that capacity, who wish to gain further qualifications in skippering a vessel.

News roundup »

Concern about Spanish vessel at Castletownbere

The skipper and eight of the crew of the ‘Notre Dame Cedeira’, which docked in Castletownbere on April 21 have tested positive for COVID-19, according to media reports in Spain.

Six of the crew of the 33-metre longliner were not infected when given hospital tests. The skipper wanted to remain on the vessel to avoid infecting his family, but was told he had to quarantine elsewhere and is in a local hotel, according to the reports.


Art Kavanagh: 'Let’s Buy Irish Fish' »

We are in tough times lads and some realistic news getting into the system on the difficulties which are being experienced in the Markets.

Apparently some Fresh Fish getting away but the Quasi Embargo being attempted by the French Fishermen is disturbing on many fronts but I suppose it does show the power than can exert by sticking together. I would like to think that the EU may tap them on the shoulder ……. At times like this it is important to make every bullet count and waste no money in landing fish without having some indication that it can be sold.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS »

Inland fisheries are being over looked

That is the view of a report published in ‘Nature Sustainability’ which says that managing freshwater systems to protect inland fish and fisheries will produce substantial co-benefits to people and meet the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals Dr. Sui Phang, Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, UK, on of the report’s authors said that Inland fisheries “are frequently undervalued or ignored compared with other sectors, such as agriculture, drinking water, power, sanitation, transportation and marine fisheries.


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 1st May

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Will the EU Control the French – You Want To Bet?

    Today the MARINE TIMES reveals how sectors of the French fishing industry are intimidating French wholesalers and retailers who import and sell Irish fish, in an attempt to prevent them doing so. This is typical of the actions of sectors of the French industry and is highlighted in our Podcast this week where the Managing Director of the Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-operative, John Nolan, says: “They like to declare European waters when they have 50 per cent of the monkfish quota which they fish in Irish waters, while Ireland has just 5 per cent of the quota in these, its own waters, but they don’t like it when there is a European market which should have equal access.”

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcast

    French Intimidation and Boycott is Wrong!

    As you’ll have read in our Editorial this week, there are sectors of the French fishing industry attempting to boycott and intimidate the sale of non/French caught fish in France. This is typical of the French industry when it ignores EU regulations and, as John Nolan, Managing Director of the Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-operative points out in this week’s Podcast, he is deeply disappointed by their attitude.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Foreign Landings Nearly Three Times That Of Irish Boats

    It was revealed this week that Non/Irish fishing vessels landed 22,900 tonnes of fish at Castletownbere last year, for a total value of €95 million. Irish vessels landed 11,700 tonnes for a total value of €35m. Those figures, issued by the State fisheries agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, show how the Irish fishing industry suffers from the EU Common Fisheries Policy which heavily limits the Irish fleet.

    Read the full article here»



IRELAND’S SEAFOOD SECTOR IS RESILIENT »

The estimated GDP of the Irish seafood sector is €1.22 billion.

There are 16,150 people employed, directly and indirectly, in the sector in Ireland which “remained resilient” last year. According to Bord Iascaigh Mhara in its published ‘Snapshot of Ireland’s Seafood Sector’ for 2019 it “weathered the wide global economic challenges of Brexit and volatility in world trade markets.”

International News »

UK Government Scheme Criticised

The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) has criticised a government support package to protect English businesses from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the three-month scheme “could not be described as generous.”


Fish producer organisations MEET WITH MINISTER »

The country’s Fish Producers’ Organisations discussed with the Marine Minister, Michael Creed, this week the need for a temporary tie-up for the Irish fleet due to the Covid-19 situation and assistance to the industry.

There was, the MARINE TIMES is told, “unity amongst the FPOs and NIFFO” who were also part of the meeting, about the need for assistance. Such unity within the industry is interesting. Responses are awaited. The Minister was criticised for not participating in the last meeting, as reported last week by the MARINE TIMES. There was reluctance to comment on the meeting and its outcome by participants. No decisions have so far been communicated. Listen also in this regard to the Podcast.

ISLAND PROPOSALS TO HELP FISHING »

One of the many downsides created by Covid-19 is the collapse of the fish markets: most Island fishing boats are tied up as they simply can’t sell their catch.

Rhoda Twombly – Comhdháil Oileán na hEireann, the Islands’ Federation says that while time ashore is spent on boat & equipment maintenance, the Island fishers would much prefer to get out and fish. IIMRO (Irish Islands Marine Resource Org) has several proposals to help Island fishers. Urgent measures include direct income support, a repayment holiday on loans for fishing gear until the crisis ends and a fund to help maintain boats in a seaworthy condition.


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 24th April

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    Where Was the Minister?

    While agreement was reached between the nation’s long-time dominant political parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for a historic Government Coalition, heralded with the statement: “We are an island nation, bound together by solidarity,” the Minister for the Marine was unable to find the time to discuss with the fishing industry the problems caused by the current Covid-19 Pandemic.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcast

    Opportunity to Promote the Fishing Industry Must Be Taken

    Two weeks ago the MARINE TIMES reported proposals made by the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation for development of the domestic fish market. The FPO called on BIM to carry out a ‘Market Evaluation’ of Ireland’s domestic market. Art Kavanagh, QFA, is a Marine Consultant based in Killybegs, Co.Donegal, one of the best-known financiers for the industry, who is credited as being the main innovator in developing banking support for fishing. He has written to Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, calling for stronger and more effective promotional support for fishing.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Getting Answers from the Department of the Marine

    Getting answers to questions about Government decisions on the fishing industry can be difficult. During the week, prior to the meeting between the Department and the industry, in which Minister Creed did not take part, it took four days of constant effort and repeating of the same questions to get answers from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

    Read the full article here»



EXCLUSIVE MARINE TIMES INTerview »

Interview with EU Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius

The Marine Times has been offered the exclusive opportunity to interview EU Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius. Conscious of the answers recently given to the Marine Times by our own Department of Marine and the absence of the Minister himself from a key meeting with fishing representatives in relation to the Covid-19 crisis we put a number of questions to the Commissioner and wish to thank him for the replies received.

"There are currently sufficient funds available in the existing budget. What was most important now, was to give Member States the flexibility to reallocate, at short notice, existing financial resources within their operational programme to the specific measures. But it is true that this possibility will be limited by the budget allocations that Member States have already received, which they cannot exceed."

International News »

Consultation Launched on Proposed Regulations for Wild Wrasse Fishery

A consultation has been launched on proposals to introduce mandatory controls on the harvesting of wild wrasse in Scottish waters. The purpose of this consultation is to seek views about whether the Scottish Government should introduce mandatory measures to control the harvesting of live wrasse for the salmon farming industry. Voluntary measures were introduced in 2018 by the Scottish government, working with the SSPO (Scottish salmon Producers Organisation). Marine Scotland has undertaken an internal review, and engaging with the SSPO and salmon farm operators, they concluded that while most of the original voluntary measures are operating satisfactorily, there is scope to improve the reporting of wrasse fishing activity and merit in introducing more formal harvesting measures - which would bring the wrasse fishery more into line with other Scottish fisheries.


AQUACULTURE CHAIR CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION BY MINISTER »

IFA Aquaculture Chairman Michael Mulloy has called on the Minister for the Marine to immediately support the sector.

It has suffered a 40-60 per cent loss, he says. “Irish aquaculture producers are suffering cashflow problems with 40-60% losses in turnover compared with the same period last year, as the closure of food service sector across Europe has a direct impact on the industry.”

new INFOMAR Masters Module Maynooth University »

A new Masters course specialising in remote sensing and the principles of seabed mapping has been successfully delivered by a joint partnership between the Department of Geography at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM) and Ireland’s marine mapping programme INFOMAR (Integrated Mapping for the Sustainable Development of Ireland's Marine Resource).

The level 9 post-graduate module, Marine Remote Sensing – INFOMAR, teaches students about the science of seabed mapping by providing a combination of class based learning and practical offshore survey experience.


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 17th April

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    No Ministerial Meeting Yet with the Fishing Industry

    Last week the Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation called for a meeting with the Minister for the Marine which, it said, was needed “as soon as possible” to evaluate where in the current EMFF Programme, money not already spent could be reallocated to assist the industry and maintain a regular supply of fish to the Domestic Market.

    Read the full article here»

  • Podcast

    Aquaculture Is Not Getting the Limelight It Should

    IFA Calls For Special Attention

    Aquaculture does not get enough attention as a vital source of seafood supply and must be given access to EMFF Funding during the current COVID crisis. Like all other industries aquaculture must be enabled to survive, the IFA Aquaculture’s Executive, Teresa Morrissey, has told the MARINE TIMES in a wide-ranging interview about the sector.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Lead Story

    Europe Approves Funding for Fishing Industry – Irish Government Must Take Action NOW!

    Marine Minister Michael Creed must take immediate action to implement a newly developed European funding package for hard-hit Irish fishing / aquaculture and seafood sectors. EU ambassadors have agreed the Council's position on a proposal to help tackle the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the fishery and aquaculture sector.

    Read the full article here»



SEAFOOD RECIPE »

Oscar's Seafood Bistro - Fish Finger Sandwich!

Oscar’s Seafood Bistro is located in the historic West-side of Galway City which is also known as the cultural quarter by the local population. Situated on Dominick street with the best of Galways pubs for both live music and a quiet pint as neighbors, Oscars is a perfect bistro to enjoy a selection of real local foods in particular the Seafood freshly caught off the coast of Galway and sourced from local fishermen and the best of Galways fishmongers. Everyone at Oscar's Seafood Bistro is looking forward to the day when they can open their doors gain and welcome all their friends - new and old - to celebrate the end of the current situation we all find ourselves in.

International News »

'Longest Animal Ever' Discovered in Deep-Sea Canyon Off Australia

Underwater explorers claim to have found a 150-foot-long (45 metres) siphonophore — a translucent, stringy creature that, like coral, is made up of smaller critters — living in a submarine canyon off the coast of Australia. It's "seemingly the largest animal ever discovered," the Schmidt Ocean Institute said. The new, record-setting siphonophore was one of several discoveries made by a team aboard the research vessel, Falkor, while exploring deep-sea canyons near Australia's Ningaloo Coast.


Plaice survival in the Irish Seine Net Fishery »

Estimated 87% survival rate obtained. Report by Dr Ronán Cosgrove, Fisheries Conservation Manager, BIM Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, recently completed a plaice survival study in collaboration with Damien Turner and crew on board bottom seine net vessel, MFV Róise Catríona.

Led by BIM’s Martin Oliver, the trial was conducted around 5 hours steaming south of Castletownbere in October 2019. The condition of plaice caught under normal fishing operations was assessed using well established fish vitality/movement and injury assessment protocols. Most of the plaice were in excellent condition with vigorous body movement. Scale and mucus loss were the predominant injuries. Applying observed plaice survival rates from a Danish seine net study conducted in the Skagerrak inferred a survival estimate of 87% for plaice in the Irish fishery.

Objections to Huge 50-Mile Windfarm »

DP Energy Ireland, a company based in Cork which is described as building, developing and managing wind, tidal and solar energy projects and services, has proposed a windfarm on a site reported to be 50kms in width from Dungarvan on the Waterford coast to Cork Harbour. It has sought a foreshore licence for investigative work according to information.

It is understood that objections have been lodged with the Marine Planning Policy and Development, section of the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government. The applicant for the foreshore license has been named as Clodagh McGrath/IMEP Limited, who is understood to be the Environment and Consents Manager and the application is “preliminary to Offshore Wind Energy Project known as Inis Ealga Project for DP Energy Ireland Limited.”


Marine Times - Weekly Update: Friday 10th April

A New Approach for Challenging Times

In these extraordinarily difficult times, the MARINE TIMES introduces a new initiative on our website. Each Friday we will publish the WEEKLY UPDATE of News, opinion and comment, including a Podcast interview with an industry figure and a selection of other matters about fishing. Keep in touch by checking the MARINE TIMES WEEKLY UPDATE each Friday.

  • Editorial

    THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FISHING INDUSTRY

    In the current Covid 19 crisis Ireland’s physical island situation has become more apparent to the general public. That we live on an island should have given the country more protection, is an opinion widely expressed and that more rigorous protective decisions could have been made at an earlier stage.

    Read the full article here»

  • Main Story & Podcast

    IRISH SOUTH AND WEST CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ENSURE FUTURE OF FISHING INDUSTRY

    “Fishing is a designated critical service and for the benefit of all our societies must be supported,” the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation has said in proposals made for ‘Domestic Market Development’ and a request for Marine Minister Michael Creed to engage in discussions with the fishing industry.

    Listen to the podcast here»

  • Quare Times Lads

    by Art Kavanagh

    Reality comes home with a bang when markets close and we are advised to put the Keys in the Drawer and stop fishing. The stark reality of the current situation was best described by John Nolan of the Castletownbere Fishermens’ Co Op when comparing the previous price of White Pollack at €3.50 per KG with the £0.40 paid at Newlyn Market.

    Read the full article here»



SEAFOOD RECIPE »

The Fish Box / Flannery's Seafood Bar have given us details of their Superprawn Salad ... it's delish!

The Fish Box Dingle opened its doors during the summer of 2018. But long before that, fishing has been at the centre of the Flannery’s life and and is embedded in their nature. The fishing industry has been ever present in their lives as they are the fourth generation of a truly fishing revolved family. The father, Michael, has been a fisherman since 1975. In 2000 he opted to build his own 35 meter trawler named ‘Emerald Dawn.’ In 2007, we sold ‘Emerald Dawn’ and opted to move on to a more efficient 24 meter ‘Cú Na Mara’, which is Gaelic for ‘Hound of the Sea.’ In 2011, Michael took a step back and allowed his sons Patrick and Micheál to have a more leading role. Michael took to a more managerial role while their mother, Deirdre, opened her own café. Since then, both Patrick and Micheál have been searching for ways to optimise the value for the Cú Na Mara’s catch. After much thought, they decided to try and amalgamate their parent’s professions and open their very own Seafood Bar.

International News »

European Parliament Chairman says ‘Red Tape Regulations’ on Fishermen Must be Reduced

The Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries has made a strong attack on the amount of regulations with which fishermen have to deal. 40-year-old Pierre Karleskind. a French oceanographer and politician, stressed the need to ‘reduce red tape’ and make European maritime and fisheries regulations simpler, reducing administrative burden. “I don’t think there is a sector that has to face as many regulations as fishermen do. Professionals almost need a PhD to become a fisherman,” he told Europêche’s General Assembly, the representative body for fishermen in the EU, claiming to represent 45,000 vessels, artisanal and large-scale and 80,000 fishermen. It has 16 member organisations in 10 European countries.”


Crisis point: brown crab fishery prices plummet »

The Brown crab fishery is in crisis as fishermen are facing a reduction of up to 80% in their earnings due to the current closure of the Chinese markets.

The lack of access to markets in China was initially due to the different approaches of the EU and the People’s Republic of China when it comes to permitted levels of cadmium in crustaceans, the maximum legal limit in China is much lower than in Europe or other countries. But now that issue has been eclipsed by the rapid spread of the Corona virus and the subsequent enforced restrictions on the movement of goods. A spokesperson for the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) and its sister group the National Inshore Fishermen’s Organisation (NIFO) described the current issues facing the crab sector, particularly market access to China “as probably the most immediate and concerning issue currently facing their membership and probably the wider inshore sector to date.

Area 6a Monk and Megrim survey planned for April »

The third leg of the annual Irish Anglerfish and Megrim Survey (IAMS2020) will be carried out by the Marine Institute from 11th April to 20th April 2020 to the north and northwest coast of Ireland. Marine Notice No. 08 of 2020 has been issued to notify all shipowners, fishing vessel owners, skippers, fishers, yachtsmen and seafarers, of the survey’s locations and dates.

The 65metre research vessel Celtic Explorer will carry out the IAMS demersal trawl survey using a Jackson trawl which will consist of approximately 50 otter trawls of 60 minutes duration in ICES area 6a. In Marine Notice No. 08 of 2020, the Marine Institute requests that commercial fishing and other marine operators keep a 3 nautical mile radius area around the tow points clear of any gear or apparatus during the survey period outlined above. While there is no statutory provision for the loss of gear at sea, the Marine Institute will make every effort to avoid gear adequately marked according to legislation that may be encountered in the notified areas.