The Donegal Island Fishermen Group,
which has a strong input from Arranmore Island fishermen, continue to
work very hard and have been successful in the sense that legistation
has been amended to the benefit of not just island fishermen, but to
inshore fishermen all along the Donegal coast.
The island fishermen group was formed
in 2006 prior to the banning of salmon fishing and the group lobbied
hard to try and convince the various departments to overturn the
goverments decision. The impact the of banning of salmon fishing
cannot be underestimated and the group continue the fight which has
lasted close on seven years. The group have made two separate
presentations to the Joint Oireachtas Committee and are currently
awaiting the draft report.
The Fishermen continue to be cautiously
optimistic that a satisfactory conclusion will come out of the many
years of hard work carried out by a few dedicated men. The issue of
the ban on 'Area 6a' which effectively saw all the island boats
having to target only two species - crab and lobster - has been
relaxed. This relaxation of the rules has come about because of the
persistence of the Islands committee, which has seen the group meet
with MEPs from many countries. The group met with the European
commissioner and again through hard work and countless hours of
lobbying a very satisfactory amendment and commitment to sustain
island life was introduced, which in the long term will have huge
benefits to the Island.
We hope to be in a position to report
on the findings of the Oireachtas Committee in the coming months.
Jerry Early, Spokesperson.
Jerry Early, Spokesperson.
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