NI fishing industry could collapse if European ban gets go-ahead

Over 2,000 jobs could go within the Northern Ireland fishing industry if cod fishing is banned in the Irish Sea.

This was the stark message sent out by Dick James of the Northern Ireland Fish Producers' Organisation to decision-makers.

European scientists claim stocks need to be preserved because they are close to collapse. However, Mr James and members of the Fish Producers' Organisation are to challenge the plans when they meet the UK Fisheries Minister, Elliot Morley.

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 in banning cod fishing in the Irish Sea.

He said: "We are looking at an employment of around 2,500 people in County Down.

"If all these measures go through a residual fleet of 12 to 15 boats would be left in Northern Ireland compared with 150 big ones and 100 smaller ones we have now.

"It's horrific to think what this could mean for us."

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, not overfishing.

(MB)