PRINGLE CALLS FOR FISHING BAN TO BE RELAXED ON DONEGAL ISLANDS

Thomas Pringle TD has called on the Government to introduce measures to relax the ban on salmon fishing in the Donegal Islands.

Speaking on the matter, the Independent TD for Donegal South West pointed out: “Legislation in 2006 effectively outlawed the tradition of fishing for wild salmon in Ireland. To compound matters, area V1 A was then closed in November 2008 which directly affects Donegal fishermen. This has had devastating consequences whereby the only stock islanders can fish is lobster and brown crab which means that these species are now being fished to extinction in our areas.”

“The Donegal Island Fishermen, who spoke this week to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine of which I am a member, called for the fair treatment of small island communities, respect for fishermen as custodians of our fisheries and the sea. They also asked for the responsibility and right to practice traditional livelihoods that are ecologically sustainable, socially just and culturally diverse and pass down our traditions, knowledge and skills to future generations.

This comes on foot of the Donegal Islands Survival Plan, a three-year survival plan for Donegal islands to tackle the mass unemployment, emigration and loss of heritage that these islands are now facing.”

“If an agreement could be made to relax the ban on salmon fishing it would then be possible for Arranmore to be linked with other European and International small islands, sharing experiences, strategies and visions for resilient communities and ecosystems. From there it could be ensured that the marine ecosystem is in balance and that activity is within the ecosystems regenerative capacity.”

“The case of the fishing ban in Castlemaine, Co. Kerry, and the subsequent reopening of the harbour for commercial fishing is living proof of this. Arranmore, which is of a similar size to Castlemaine, would be very likely to reap similar benefits if such changes were to be implemented there, having a considerable positive impact on the local industry and community alike.”

“I have been a strong advocate of the Donegal Islands Fishermen and have, over the last number of months, been making numerous representations to Minister Coveney and Minister O’Dowd over the seriousness of the situation and the potential for growth.

As it stands, Arranmore has lost €800,000 from its annual economy, and there have been many business closures and mass emigration from the island. We cannot allow this to continue,” added Pringle.

“I would ask that the salmon fishing ban be relaxed for a period of 5 years during which the fishermen could work with the authorities to collate all information on stocks, conservation and records,” stated Pringle.

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