EU fisheries commissioner Joe Borg has promised swift action to investigate the use of unattended gill-nets in Irish waters.
The commissioner, on a two-day visit to Irish ports, made the commitment during a meeting in Kenmare, Co Kerry, yesterday with industry representatives.
A recent study by Irish and Norwegian scientists found an estimated 120km of unattended gill-nets west of Ireland and Scotland.
Between 25 and 30 non-Irish vessels are believed to be involved in the practice of setting the gear, which is sometimes left for months to "ghost fish". Deep-water shark are among the species most severely affected by the practice, which results in discards of between 50 and 60 per cent. Photographic evidence of the damage was shown by industry representatives to the commissioner during yesterday's discussions.
Thick fog meant Mr Borg had to abandon a helicopter trip to the port of Castletownbere, Co Cork, yesterday, but he met industry representatives in Kenmare and Killarney, Co Kerry. Jason Whooley, chief executive of the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation, described the discussion as "very beneficial".
"Commissioner Borg was genuinely interested, and promised action on a number of issues," Mr Whooley said.
Although direct subsidies have been ruled out in relation to sharp fuel increases, certain measures are being examined by the European Commission, including the need for a long-term plan on fuel-efficient measures.
The commissioner's promise to tackle unattended gill-netting was also welcomed by Mr Whooley. "This unregulated foreign fleet, fishing with illegal gill-nets, is devastating stocks, and action is now required at a European level to halt this destruction," he said.
Mr Borg would not be drawn on the issue of proposed increased penalties for illegal fishing in Irish waters, which he said was a matter for individual member states.
The European Parliament's fisheries committee is to be invited to Ireland to meet members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in relation to the controversial new Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005, which provides for the increased fines.
Northern Irish MEPs are also to be invited.
