Sinn Féin survey on fishing reveals a ‘severely neglected’ industry in ‘crisis’

Buncrana TD Padraig MacLochlainn says the results of a Sinn Féin Fisheries and Seafood Survey have highlighted a “systemic crisis” in the industry.

He says the new survey shows the severe challenges and crisis facing the fishing industry, with respondents underlining a sector in distress, facing mounting economic pressures, regulatory challenges, and a sense of neglect from both the Irish government and European Union.

Speaking at the launch of the survey in Dublin on Wednesday, June 11, Deputy MacLochlainn explained how the key objective of the analysis was to give people an opportunity to provide their firm views on the government and state authorities’ support for the industry, the current state of the industry, and hopes for its future.

“What we can see clearly from these results is that the Irish fishing and seafood industry is being severely neglected. It is under-supported, undervalued, and faces a systemic crisis that demands immediate attention from the government,” Deputy MacLochlainn said.

“We had the Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice this week, outlining Ireland’s ambition to lead global maritime policy. He added that, ‘as an island nation, Ireland is blessed with some of the world’s finest marine resources, providing jobs, energy, food, and respite and pleasure for citizens and tourists alike’.”

“However, the testimonies of those who responded to our survey tell a very different story to the rosy picture painted by Micheál Martin, and the apparent commitment from his government to this industry flies in the face of the lived realities of fishing communities.”

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Sinn Fein TD MacLochlainn said numerous respondents to the survey shared their personal and family stories, highlighting inter-generational commitment to the fishing and seafood industry, severe mental health impacts and economic strain, and crucially, their frustration at what they believe to be government and state neglect.

“Respondents overwhelmingly emphasised the urgent need for reform in fisheries management and regulation, quota allocation, and improved advocacy at the national and European levels. Without a radical reset in government policy and immediate actions, there is a consensus that the Irish fishing and seafood industry faces existential threats,” Deputy MacLochlainn warned.

“The Irish fishing communities have waited long enough. What they are asking for is not charity, it’s fairness, respect, and a future. We need a government with the necessary ambition and passion for our coastal communities. A government that will unite the entire Irish fishing and seafood industry and join them in the fight for a fair share of the fish in our waters,” he added.