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25/10/2002
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)
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)
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28 October 2002
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.
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.
15 November 2002
Pearson pledges to defend fishing interests
Direct rule agriculture minister Ian Pearson has told representatives of the Northern Ireland fishing industry that he "will work tirelessly" to defend the north's interests in EC negotiations.
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19 December 2011
NI Trawlers Net 'Mixed Bag' In Brussels
NI fisherman may have to stay in port for even longer than previous years thanks to European Union fishing quotas - although Brussels negotiations have proved to be a mixed catch. Already, MEP Jim Nicholson has said that the recent fisheries negotiations held in Brussels show that "root and branch" reform of the Common Fisheries Policy is needed.
NI Trawlers Net 'Mixed Bag' In Brussels
NI fisherman may have to stay in port for even longer than previous years thanks to European Union fishing quotas - although Brussels negotiations have proved to be a mixed catch. Already, MEP Jim Nicholson has said that the recent fisheries negotiations held in Brussels show that "root and branch" reform of the Common Fisheries Policy is needed.
29 July 2015
Two Fishing Boats Crash Off The Coast Of Ardglass
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Two Fishing Boats Crash Off The Coast Of Ardglass
A Sinn Féin councillor said he is "relieved" no-one was injured after two fishing boats crashed off the coast of Ardglass in the early hours of Wednesday morning. MLA Chris Hazzard said it must have been a "very frightening" experience for those on board the fishing boats.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
