Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and party spokesperson on Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Ferris, has called on the government to properly monitor super trawlers operating in Irish waters.
The call came as it was reported that the Margiris, the world’s second largest super trawler, which is capable of processing 250 tonnes of fish per day, was heading for the Irish coast.
“Once again these trawlers are hoovering up vast amounts of fish stock and causing untold devastation to marine life, the nets on these trawlers are so vast that they kill everything in their path including whales, dolphins and sharks,” the deputy said.
Damage to Environment
“This trawler which is registered in Lithuania was recently banned from Australian waters because of the damage it causes to the environment.
While Irish fishermen are made jump through hoops to ensure they are compliant, these foreign vessels seem to operate with impunity.
“The Irish fishing industry needs sustainable fishing and jobs, not these monstrosities that arrive, cause untold devastation and take profits out of the country
Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority
“Sadly, current EU law means that if they have a quota they are legally entitled to fish here but when this very vessel was off our coast last year not one inspector from the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) set foot on it for monitoring or inspection.
“That is completely unacceptable and the Government must ensure that a similar fiasco does not occur while it is here this time.
“They must demand that monitors from the Irish national authorities are on-board at all times while they are in Irish waters,” said Deputy Ferris.
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