South-east scallop fishermen have suspended further protest action pending a meeting in Co Wexford today with former IDA chief executive Padraic White.
Mr White will be carrying out a review of decommissioning requirements for whitefish and shellfish fleet, including scallop vessels, on behalf of the Government. Minister of State for the Marine, Pat the Cope Gallagher, has given Mr White three weeks to report back to him.
The Irish South and East Fishermen's Organisation (IS&EFO) has reacted cautiously to the proposal, which was intended to avert further protests by the scallop fishermen after their blockade of Rosslare and Waterford ports a week ago. The 19 vessel owners, based mainly at Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, are angry over the impact of a cut in "days at sea" allocation this year on the fishery, while fish processors have warned that up to 500 jobs onshore and offshore are at risk.
The IS&EFO has pointed out that France received a 500 per cent increase in its scallop allocation this year.
The fishermen have drawn up a management proposal that would involve a reduced fishery by smaller vessels only, provided that larger vessels are compensated at an estimated cost of €4.8 million.
A decommissioning scheme for whitefish vessel owners who have been unable to make ends meet was announced in late April by Mr Gallagher. However, the scallop fleet is not eligible to apply.
Michael Walsh, chief executive of the IS&EFO, said the fishermen were seeking clarification on Mr White's terms of reference.
"The boats are still tied up, and the fishermen are still very upset, but the next course of action will be discussed after the meeting with Mr White," he said.
Mr White is very familiar with key issues relating to the fishing industry, following his term as chairman of Ireland's strategy review group on the Common Fisheries Policy.
That review group highlighted some of the inequities in the system and the lack of stakeholder involvement in management of Europe's only shared economic resource.