Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 24 January 2024

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Crisis in Ireland's Inshore Fishing Industry: Discussion

Mr. John Menarry:

We have spoken a good bit about mackerel and herring and the crab issue. Not all fishermen around the coast will go and fish herring or mackerel if we got those opportunities. However, taking a chunk of vessels out of crab or shrimp would take pressure off the shellfish stocks for the fisher who says herring and mackerel are no good to him and a waste of time. That would increase market demand and help him.

It is very important for people to remember, including those watching today, that directing some of the fleet in another direction takes pressure off those who are left behind.