Madam, - As a licensed fishing boat owner, I could set myself a ridiculous target, eg catch two tonnes of lemon sole (a non quota species), which would take maybe two or three weeks as it is not a particularly common fish. Depending on the fishing method used, I could possibly kill in those two or three weeks another 20 or 30 tonnes of quota species fish. But it would be perfectly legal as long as I threw them all back.
The mentality of those who support and enforce the insane and farcical Common Fisheries Policy - which is not about protecting fish - has to be questioned. Fisheries inspectors are now accompanied by gardai in the village of Kilmore Quay to protect them from the locals. There is surely not a person who can support such madness. Is there anyone out there brave enough to fight for a system which will protect the fisheries and allow Irish fishermen to make a living at the same time? - Yours, etc.,
SIAN TANTRUM,
New Ross,
Co Wexford