Leading Journal of the Irish & UK Fishing Industries

Joint statement from the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association CLG (NIFA) and the
National Inshore Fishermen’s Organisation CLG (NIFO) in relation Ministers McConalougue’s
decision to appeal against the High Courts decision to allow large trawlers to fish inside the
six-mile limit.

Both NIFA and NIFO welcome the Ministers decision to appeal the ruling of the High Court’s
judicial review and sincerely hope that the State is successful in getting the stay being sought
on the orders granted therein. We appreciate any appeals process may be lengthy and we
understand the need for due process. Acknowledging that it is extremely important for the
future of the Inshore Sector that the stay order be granted, particularly given the increase in
activity of larger vessels inside the 6nm limit in recent weeks, since the High Court’s ruling.
Many of our members disagree with the ruling of the High Court, which was critical of the
consultation process leading up to the decision. They see no issue with the process which saw
an unprecedented response. The Judgement refers to dependency. In terms of dependency
inshore vessels are more far more dependant than larger vessels on the resources inside the
6nm limit. In the context of Sprat, we have members that are highly dependent on sprat
exclusively inside the 6nm limit. They had no issues with the consultation process but are
likely to go out of business if the stay order isn’t granted as they cannot compete alongside
larger industrial vessels operating in our Inshore waters.