Former Agriculture minister hits out at possible Irish Sea cod ban

Former Minister of Agriculture Brid Rodgers has reacted angrily to news that European ministers are considering banning cod fishing in the Irish Sea.

Mrs Rodgers said the proposals would have a devastating effect on the fishing industry in Northern Ireland if it gets the go-ahead in December.

She added: "Europe must recognise, and I would hope that the new Northern Ireland minister would emphasise, the importance of balancing the need to conserve fish stocks with the need to conserve the fisheries industry.

"Experience shows us that cod closures will also have implications for prawn fishing which is an extremely part of the industry here."

Dick James of the Northern Ireland Fish Producers' Organisation has said that over 2,000 jobs could go within local fishing circles if cod fishing is banned.

Mr James revealed that 15 boats could be left out of the current fleet of 250 in Co Down if European scientists have their way.

However, European scientists claim stocks need to be preserved because they are close to collapse.

Local trawlermen say proposed conservation measures would devastate fishing communities along the County Down coast.

Fishermen's leaders though say the new conservation measures will also hit catches of other more economically important species like prawns and haddock.

The cod shoals, they say, are the victim of climate change, and not of overfishing.

(MB)