Governmental efforts, starting in the 1960s with policies to encourage infrastructure and industrial investment in fisheries, have contributed to the greatly increased catch of fish by Irish nationals off the Irish coast. However, towards the end of the 1990s increased pressures on fish stocks have resulted in decreasing catches off the Irish coast.
In 2002 a total of some 12 000 people were employed in the fishery industry (excluding some 2600 in aquaculture), with 6100 employed in sea fishing, 4000 in seafood factories and some 2000 in ancillary employment servicing the industry. Number of vessels, employment, landings, value of landings and exports fluctuate, but all show a declining trend over recent years.
| Commercial Fishing | • | Management | • | Processing |
| The fishing fleet in Ireland is largely coastal, consisting of about 1400 vessels. Of these, 400 are greater than 12 metres in length, and make up the more off-shore sector of the fleet. The number of vessels has increased by more than 15% from 1987 to 2002, while the total vessel tonnage has increased by almost 50%, indicating an increasing number of large vessels. |
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While harvests declined for many species in the 1990s, increased prices compensated for this decline through most of the decade. This decline in harvests has continued, but price increases have not succeeded in compensating for this loss, therefore there is a decline in total value as well.
The three main sectors of fishing are pelagic, demersal and shellfish. Pelagic
fish are those which swim near the water surface or in the water column,
while demersal fish live close to the ocean floor. In 2002 these had landing
values of €64 million and €79 million respectively, while shellfish
production was worth €67 million. Whiting is the demersal species
with the greatest catch, though Orange Roughy, a relatively new species
in Irish fisheries, is the species giving the highest value (2002). Of the
pelagic species mackerel catches give the greatest quantity and highest
value, contributing more than 40% of the total pelagic catch quantity and
value (2002). Crab contributes most to the shellfish catch, but Dublin Bay
prawns account for more than a third of the total shellfish value (2002).
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Click here to view map of the Shellfish Management Network. |
Most species show a reduction in harvests in 2002, with the total harvest at 245 thousand tonnes. “New” species such as Orange Roughy are amongst the few species that show increased harvests.
Several studies show that the overall profitability of the fishing fleet
is declining, with resulting problems of attracting and keeping experienced
crew. Increasing amounts of time are being spent at sea to compensate for
this loss, and more fishing gear is being deployed, while newer and larger
vessels are acquired. Management
The legal framework for regulation of the fisheries is at the national Government level, adhering to the provisions of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is responsible under the Sea Fisheries Acts for fishery policy formulation and implementation. Several state agencies, such as the Sea Fisheries Board (An Bord Iascaigh Mhara), the Marine Institute and the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards all have differing responsibilities with regard to management, research, conservation and protection, and report to the department.
The harvest of principal species is limited by annual quotas. In addition, a suite of restrictions are imposed on different fisheries, such as vessel quotas, times and areas of allowed fishing, weekly or monthly amounts allowed fished, and licenses or permits for participation in specific fisheries.
Processing and Export
There are about 130 seafood processing plants in Ireland, mostly consisting
of small, specialised operations. Some 20 are however large seasonal pelagic
processing plants, mainly located in the northwest of the country. Most
fish processing in Ireland is geared towards export. Exports in 2002 were
valued at EUR 425 million, with main export markets being France, Great
Britain and Spain. 75% of Ireland's total fish export goes to the European
Union. The main species exported, both in quantity and value, were horse
mackerel and mackerel. If you are aware of any spatial data sources regarding this theme, please contact us.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara: BIM - The Irish Sea Fisheries Board carries out fisheries related research.
DCMNR: The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is responsible for implementing legislation regarding fisheries.
Marine Institute: Some of the research activities of the Marine Institute relate to fisheries.
Central Fisheries Board: This site gives an overview of the Central Fishery Board and links to the 7 Regional Fishery Boards, and other fisheries. material.
DG Fish : The Directorate General for Fisheries of the European Commission oversees European Union fisheries policy.
Fisheries Information Centre : The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation hosts the Fisheries Information Centre.
FAO-Fisheries Statistics: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has substantial information on Ireland's fisheries (rather dated with latest data from 1998).
FAO-Fisheries Management: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation has information on Ireland's fisheries management (rather dated with latest data from 1998).
Irish Fisheries Information: This Marine Institute report (in addition to its specific regional socio-economic study) sets Irish fisheries in the larger historic picture.
Kilmore Quay Fishing: This Marine Institute report presents the fishing activity from Kilmore Quay from the beginning of the 1950s up to the present.
KFO: The homepage of Killibegs Fishermen's Organisation Ltd. (KFO.)
S&WFPO: The homepage of the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation (S&WFPO).
Common Fisheries Policy: Facts and figures on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) published by DG Fisheries.
Irish Seafood Directory: The homepage of the Directory of the Irish Seafood, Fisheries & Aquaculture Industries, an online directory and news page for information on aquaculture, the fish catching and fish processing sector.
NDP-Fisheries:The National Development Plan 2000-2006 has a broad set of priorities with regard to fisheries development.
CSO, Fishery Statistics for 2002, 2003, http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/11/9/34429567.pdf
OECD, Country Note on National Fisheries Management Systems-Ireland, 2004, http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/11/9/34429567.pdf
OECD, Review of Fisheries in OECD Countries, 2003, http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/11/9/34429567.pdf