Different sectors of fishing industry have unanimously agreed to support IFA Aquaculture in calling for the Government to urgently address the backlog in aquaculture licence applications (currently 280). They have also demand a guarantee of public funding to match over million of investment ready to go into the industry over the next five years.
At a meeting in Donegal of the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group the unified demand from the Federation of Irish Fishermen, the Irish Fish Exporters and Processors Association, the Irish Association of Seafood Companies and inshore fishing representatives was tabled. The meeting was chaired by Dr Noel Cawley. There was discussion on delays in getting agreement from Brussels on the national Operational Programme for Fisheries due to failures by the Irish Government to implement a number of EU Directives.
Richie Flynn, IFA Aquaculture Executive Secretary, representing the €120 million industry which employs over 2000 people in coastal communities, opined that there is a clear recognition that in the difficult situation the fishing sector finds itself. It is fact that the demand for Irish seafood is very strong and quality, traceability and health aspects are readily delivered by farmed salmon, trout, mussels, oysters and other species.
Flynn explained that it is a disgrace that most major retail multiples can’t find enough Irish salmon to sell to Irish consumers. He also said that IFA Aquaculture wanted to see the Operational Programme which is focused on issues such as decommissioning of the white-fish fleet, is signed off as soon as possible but that Government must give guarantees on delivery for fish and shellfish farmers before it goes ahead.
