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A total of 39 Irish fishing boats are set to be scrapped by the end of the month as part of a voluntary decommissioning scheme.
The scheme – called the Brexit Voluntary Permanent Cessation Scheme – was first announced in 2021, seeks to reduce the number of boats competing for the reduced Irish fish quota in the wake of Brexit. The idea is, by having less boats competing for the number of allotted fish, those remaining in the sector will be able to make a more sustainable living.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which is overseeing the scheme, has confirmed that so far 36 vessels have been scrapped, with 3 more set to be removed by a deadline of the 31st of October. The total cost of the policy is estimated to be around €60m.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Aodh O’Donnell, the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation, described the scheme as a “terrible blow to the Irish fishing industry and to small fishing communities.”
“We estimate that the industry here will be losing up to €43m a year due to reduced quotas after Brexit,” he said, adding: “We are the worst EU affected country because of the deal.”
“39 boats scrapped will result in less employment opportunities in these communities and less income from fishing. It’s a terrible blow and a big sacrifice that the fishing industry has made due to Brexit.”
Last year O’Donnell also weighed in on the policy while speaking to The Skipper, saying: “Quotas were so unfair and so small that the industry has been left with no alternative to decommissioning. We are constantly losing out to other EU states.
https://theskipper.ie/decommissioning-irish-fishing-fleet-will-not-preserve-fish-stocks/
“…We have the best and most productive waters in Europe. Irish fish producers have contributed to the sustainable management of fish stocks, while others have been able to exploit resources in our rich waters. Decommissioning is our Government’s solution to a historical legacy of failing to deliver for industry and coastal communities.”
The news comes after last month’s CSO figures revealed that Irish fish landings by Irish vessels declined by 15% last year. CSO figures also revealed that 41% of fish landings in Irish ports last year were by foreign vessels.
41% of fish landings in Irish ports last year were by foreign vessels.#gripthttps://t.co/R26PPmcbHs
— gript (@griptmedia) September 28, 2023
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