Future management of rich marine resources is coming into sharp focus, as Britain withdraws from the EUs Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
We can expect skirmishes at sea, but hopefully nothing like the Pirates of the Caribbean and sword-twirling Capt Jack Sparrow characters on the decks of galleons.
However, as Sparrow once said, not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.
The treasure, in this case, may be the 64% of the lucrative mackerel fishery and 43% of prawns caught by Irish vessels in British waters.
In that context, as new marine minister Dara Calleary told the Irish Examiner earlier this week, Britain withdrawing from the CFP is a deadly serious threat to livelihoods of Irish fishing communities.
Killybegs Fishermens Organisation (KFO) chief executive Sean ODonoghue believes that a no-deal Brexit would be particularly challenging for blue Europe, with potential for many sea skirmishes, over coming months.
Its not just Ireland that is affected by British withdrawal from the CFP though, as I believe the French fleet will up the ante, ODonoghue predicts.
You could have flashpoints everywhere from Rockall to the North Sea to the Celtic Sea and English Channel, with the British Navy, the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, the Dutch, French and Belgian navies out at sea, and our Naval Service having an enormous area to control, says ODonoghue.
Already, there have been some clashes. Two years ago, French and English vessels were in dispute over scallop grounds in the English Channel. Recently, Scottish fishermen reported a number of incidents which they believe are symptomatic of an effort by certain EU vessels to hold on to traditional grounds.
A German-registered Spanish gillnetter which was filmed allegedly trying to foul the propeller of a Scottish vessel west of Shetland in early June was detained this month near Rockall by the Naval Service patrol ship, L William Butler Yeats, for separate alleged breaches of EU fisheries legislation.
Figures speak volumes about the value of Irish waters to EU fleets, with Castletownbere, the largest whitefish port, being a transhipment point for foreign landings. A Bord Iascaigh Mhara snapshot of the industry records the value of seafood at over 1 billion, with first sale value of fish landed into Irish ports at 424 million in 2019.
While Irish landings were valued at 291m of that total, non-Irish landings were quoted at 133m.
Displacement to Irish grounds of European vessels with quotas in British waters is another negative aspect of Brexit. In the past few weeks, there have been anecdotal reports of Spanish gillnetters who never normally fished off the Irish south-west coast showing up on whitefish grounds.
It is as if some track records are being laid down by the Spanish, who have always been much better at this than Ireland, said a seasoned industry observer.
Fisheries biologist Dr Peter Tyndall of the National Fishermens Development Group says Brexit is an opportunity for Europe to accept that Ireland suffered a serious injustice in the original EU access deal.
Ireland had 24% of EU waters on accession, and was allocated just 3.8% of the total allowable catch in 1983, but was offered access to the European market.
Those percentages have changed as the EU has grown, with Ireland now having 10% of the sea area, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs Brexit fact sheet. By value, Ireland accounts for 36% of the average value of landings from the Irish Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), followed by France (18%), the UK (16%), Spain (15%), and the Netherlands (8%).
So, if Britain wants to play hardball, then the quotas given to the British-registered Spanish vessels for stocks off the Irish west coast should revert to Ireland, says Dr Tyndall.
Founding editor of the fishing industrys monthly The Skipper publication Arthur Reynolds believes that recognition that Ireland has a moral right to greater access to its own waters must be central to any Brexit negotiations.
Germany didnt have to open up access to Ruhr coalfields. France didnt have to open up access to its vineyards. Ireland and Denmark were the only two member states with a surplus of fish when the CFP was drawn up, Reynolds says.
Reynolds cautions that he is not talking about increasing catches to an unsustainable level to compensate Ireland, but about a more equitable share out among EU coastal states of the existing resource.
The Covid-19 pandemic may have knocked Brexit off headlines, but it also exposed how dependent the British fleet is on the European market a market which collapsed from March, when restaurants closed.
So Covid-19 shows that Britain needs to be able to secure value for its fish, Dr Tyndall says.
Castletownbere Fishermens Co-op manager John Nolan was disappointed to see how protectionist some EU partners became.
Our Irish whitefish industry is largely export-led, and we experienced a situation where prime Irish monkfish could not be sold in France, and we ended up having to let it go for fishmeal at 10c a kilo, Nolan says.
The EU had signalled that member states could relax State aid rules. But the temporary tie-up compensation scheme, eventually introduced by former marine minister Michael Creed, was designed to fail, says Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation chief executive Patrick Murphy.
I dont begrudge the beef farmers the 50m which the outgoing government has given them, but it beggars belief that an industry like fishing where people risk their lives to produce food should be treated in this way, Murphy said.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine said the tie-up supports would range from 6,000 per month for a maximum of two months for the very largest vessels over 24 metres, to 500 per month for a maximum of two months for the very smallest vessels under six metres in length.
That sort of money would barely cover insurance costs, said an east coast vessel owner of the scheme, which covered only two of the months of June, July and August. He said it did not acknowledge the efforts of skippers who took a responsible course of action in tying up from mid-March. When markets closed, the only place to store fish was in the sea, and not in cold storage, said the skipper, who did not wish to be named.
Overall, some 65 applicants (about 3% of the entire whitefish fleet) were offered the compensation in June.
Worse was to come, however, as some inshore boats had applications rejected for a failure to produce evidence of sales notes, through no fault of their own. This documentation is the responsibility of buyers to return, and for the States Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) to monitor.
The National Inshore Fishermens Association said this anomaly has wider and serious implications, as it suggests the State was not accurately recording the inshore sectors full economic value.
New marine minister Dara Calleary has been told in no uncertain terms by industry organisations that a more robust compensation scheme must be considered.
Offshore renewable energy
As if Brexit and Covid-19 arent enough, the new government has ambitious plans for offshore renewable energy, which has proved contentious in certain British coastal areas.
Fixed offshore wind farms earmarked for the east Irish coast could have serious impacts on the valuable whelk fishery on the Kish bank and the prawn grounds off Co Louth.
A 30-year strategy for offshore renewable recently published by the Eirwind consortium says the fishing industry has to be treated as the primary stakeholder, and recommends a forum be established between the two industries which would focus on issues such as regulations for fishing vessels to work as guard boats, shared interests in marine conservation, and best practice in compensation against loss of livelihood.
Eirwind is an industry-led collaborative research project, aimed at developing a blueprint for offshore wind development in Ireland. It is part of MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine at University College Cork.
Follow this link:
Battered by Covid-19, the fishing industry nervously awaits Brexit outcome - Irish Examiner
- Power Distribution Market 2020 With Top Countries Data: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Top Key Players Analysis and Forecast Research - Cole of Duty - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- Malcolm Young's five best rhythm guitar moments in AC/DC - Mixdown - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- From '30 Rock' to 'Community,' Who Decides What Old TV Episodes Are Too Insensitive to Keep in Circulation? - TheWrap - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- Thunderchild II on the Hoist at Crosshaven Boatyard Ahead of Record Bid? - Afloat - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- We shouldn't need Ministers to develop the west - Galway Advertiser - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- Author says 2400-year old coin artifact may be proof that Atlantis is real - EconoTimes - July 2nd, 2020 [July 2nd, 2020]
- A Decade Later, Let's Itemize the Sins of M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender - Paste Magazine - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Your daily 6: Gambling without booze or smoking, Hong Kong crackdown and virus 'grim and getting worse by the day' - STLtoday.com - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- The Best Metal on Bandcamp: June 2020 - bandcamp.com - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Front-Row Seat: Striking the chords for live musics return - MPNnow.com - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Color Star Technology Announces the Addition of Renowned Musician Larry Carlton to its Color World Online Education Platform - Yahoo Finance - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- 'The Office,' '30 Rock': All the TV shows to pull blackface scenes - Los Angeles Times - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Pride-inspired accessories you can rock all year round - Hindustan Times - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- The All-American Glory of Yacht Rock - National Review - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Brexit fishing battle: Britain and Ireland 'to clash over ownership of tiny rock' - Express.co.uk - July 7th, 2020 [July 7th, 2020]
- Darren Wright of Howth Puts Famous Pata Negra On to Boil in the Round Ireland Yacht Race - Afloat - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- Shop local swimwear, whatever your style | Hot Summer Guide | Halifax, Nova Scotia - The Coast Halifax - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- Color Star Technology Announces the Addition of Renowned Musician Larry Carlton to its Color World Online Education Platform - Salamanca Press - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- Grooveyards self-titled album impresses - The Daily Star - July 13th, 2020 [July 13th, 2020]
- HBO | World Day of the Rock: 7 movies and series, remember that the rock is alive more than ever | A Star ... - Code List - July 15th, 2020 [July 15th, 2020]
- The CW's Lost Boys show will 'keep the essence' of the movie, says series songwriter G Tom Mac - SYFY WIRE - July 15th, 2020 [July 15th, 2020]
- Re-opening federal death chamber: Victim opposition, pandemic threaten first execution in 17 years - USA TODAY - July 15th, 2020 [July 15th, 2020]
- How to catch a glimpse of the comet NEOWISE dazzling the skies right now - The Verge - July 17th, 2020 [July 17th, 2020]
- Remember the Strange Way the Eagles Played Their First Gig? - Taste of Country - July 18th, 2020 [July 18th, 2020]
- The Brave New World of Peacock Looks a Lot Like TVs Past - PRIMETIMER - July 18th, 2020 [July 18th, 2020]
- US Digital Banking Market Trends, Companies, Driver, Segmentation, Forecast to 2025 - Owned - July 18th, 2020 [July 18th, 2020]
- Exploring Trinity Site legends (some are true!) on 75th anniversary - Las Cruces Sun-News - July 20th, 2020 [July 20th, 2020]
- Rasheeda Frost Switches Up Her Look And Fans Are Here For It Check Out Her Outfits And Hairdos - Celebrity Insider - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Kim Zolciak-Biermann Bares Her Butt in the Tiniest Thong Bikini - Bravo - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Comprehensive report on Internet Banking Market with Top Key players like CGI, Financial Network services, Corillian, COR Financial Solutions, I-flex... - July 21st, 2020 [July 21st, 2020]
- Felix The Reaper on iOS review - "Lots of love, not enough game" - Pocket Gamer - July 25th, 2020 [July 25th, 2020]
- From 'Hip Hop Hooray' to 'YMCA,' the untold stories of Jock Jams, 25 years later - ESPN Philippines - July 25th, 2020 [July 25th, 2020]
- "The follow through decides where it's going to go" - Kick it like Matty Forde - SportsJOE.ie - July 25th, 2020 [July 25th, 2020]
- The Outer Worlds: Perils of Gorgon Interview - Talking Storytelling, Inspiration, and Freedom with Matt Hansen & Carrie Patel - RPG Site - July 26th, 2020 [July 26th, 2020]
- In praise of the masked man - Winnipeg Free Press - July 26th, 2020 [July 26th, 2020]
- Felix The Reaper review - "Lots of love, not enough game" - Pocket Gamer - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- Douglas County Fair and Rodeo lives on with your safety top-of-mind July 30 Aug. 2 - The Know - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- 40 years of Back In Black: a celebration of AC/DC's hard rock opus - Mixdown - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- There's no plaice like home: Why we should be eating British fish - The Conservative Woman - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- Were the Rolling Stones Better in the '60s or '70s? Roundtable - Ultimate Classic Rock - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- Meet REDSIX, the Indonesian band crafting addictive, pop-punk classics - Happy - July 28th, 2020 [July 28th, 2020]
- The 53 Best Things to Do in Seattle This Weekend: July 24-26, 2020 - TheStranger.com - July 29th, 2020 [July 29th, 2020]
- BILLECK: Hellebuyck snubbed when it comes to Hart, even if he doesn't think so - Winnipeg Sun - July 29th, 2020 [July 29th, 2020]
- From 'Hip Hop Hooray' to 'YMCA,' the untold stories of Jock Jams, 25 years later - ESPN - July 30th, 2020 [July 30th, 2020]
- Vessel detained near Rockall was allegedly involved in another confrontation off Scotland - Irish Examiner - July 30th, 2020 [July 30th, 2020]
- Finally Today's Tim arrives in virus-free holiday haven - Noosa News - July 31st, 2020 [July 31st, 2020]
- The untold truth of Castle Rock - Looper - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- Tracks of the Week #113 - God Is In The TV - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- Girls soccer gets ready to take the field again - Sedona Red Rock News - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- Watch Skip Marley And The School Of Rock All-Stars Perform Bob Marleys Three Little Birds - uDiscover Music - August 2nd, 2020 [August 2nd, 2020]
- This is the day: SB19 finally drops debut album 'Get in the Zone' - Manila Bulletin - August 3rd, 2020 [August 3rd, 2020]
- Dingdong Dantes honors mom, wife and the Creator on his 40th b-day - Manila Bulletin - August 3rd, 2020 [August 3rd, 2020]
- Internet Banking Market 2020 New Techniques, Research Analysis, Treatment Types, Latest Trends, Regional Demand and Forecast Outlook 2025 - Market... - August 4th, 2020 [August 4th, 2020]
- Online Banking Industry Global Forecast by Products, Applications, Distribution Channels, Form, Regions, Company Analysis - Market Research Posts - August 4th, 2020 [August 4th, 2020]
- WWE news: Who were the best Superstars in the 2000s? - GIVEMESPORT - August 7th, 2020 [August 7th, 2020]
- Pedestrian killed by car driven by K-pop boy band 2AM's Seulong in Seoul - Manila Bulletin - August 8th, 2020 [August 8th, 2020]
- Once an Outlaw to perform at Wildcat Inn Aug. 20 - Conway Daily Sun - August 8th, 2020 [August 8th, 2020]
- This August, TV ventures through The Swamp, Lovecraft Country, and the Lower Decks of Star Trek - The A.V. Club - August 9th, 2020 [August 9th, 2020]
- Bon Iver enlists Springsteen and nods to Minneapolis homeless charity on new single - Minneapolis Star Tribune - August 9th, 2020 [August 9th, 2020]
- PM must remember we're doing lockdown differently on Scotland visit - The National - August 9th, 2020 [August 9th, 2020]
- Murs and Slug Surprise Release First New Felt Album in Over 10 Years Felt 4 U - mxdwn.com - August 10th, 2020 [August 10th, 2020]
- How to rock all types of womens leather jackets like a pro - Business MattersBusiness Matters - August 10th, 2020 [August 10th, 2020]
- Here are some Scottish locations that might suit PM's taste for adventure - The National - August 10th, 2020 [August 10th, 2020]
- Planning Commission Very Divided on URP Proposal, but Does Barely Support Approval - The Peoples Vanguard of Davis - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- When Katrina Kaif Went Flirty Chic in Some Bright Florals, Ruffles and a Whole Lot of Cakes! - Report Door - August 31st, 2020 [August 31st, 2020]
- The HoopsHype Weekly: Ranking the Top 10 players in the 2020 NBA playoffs so far - Hoops Hype - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- JIMI HENDRIX And JOHN BONHAM - Two New Books Celebrate The Lives And Music Of Late Rock Legends - bravewords.com - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Plotting the path through the energy transition - Hydrocarbon Engineering - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- 'High Fidelity' Season 2 Would Have Focused on Cherise - Decider - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- The 20 best rock albums of 1977 - Louder - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- 4 Viral Beauty Moments Of Erica Fernandes That Broke The Internet - IWMBuzz - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Is this one better than the original? - Insights News - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Drive In Events Proving Popular in Newton Aycliffe - Durham Magazine - September 2nd, 2020 [September 2nd, 2020]
- Statue of Liberty-sized space rock among FIVE headed towards Earth warns NASA - RT - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Roman Reigns Open To Facing CM Punk: Hed Probably Need To Be Slapped Around A Few Times - Fightful - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Arizona Zervas / The Success Of Roxanne & Staying In His Own Lane - Flaunt Magazine - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Live Stream Review: Philly Music Fest Day One Featuring Japanese Breakfast, The Districts, and More - mxdwn.com - October 4th, 2020 [October 4th, 2020]
- Black History Month: Are these the 10 most influential black musicians of all time? - Radio X - October 8th, 2020 [October 8th, 2020]
- High school golfers lose federal case over virus rules that kept them from D-10 tourney - GoErie.com - October 8th, 2020 [October 8th, 2020]
- Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access preview: A perfect playground to push Larian's RPG to its narrative limits - GamesRadar+ - October 8th, 2020 [October 8th, 2020]