Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo Shutterstock/fullempty
irish coast

Call for more monitoring of super trawlers after dolphin deaths

Irish MEP Seán Kelly said people who break rules should be “dealt with”.

SEÁN KELLY HAS called for greater monitoring of super trawlers off the Irish coast following the deaths of three dolphins.

The Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South recently wrote to the European Commission about the issue, after if was raised with him by constituents and dolphin and whale interest groups.

Speaking to EuroParlRadio, Kelly said he was pleasantly surprised when the commission responded, saying it was something he “didn’t expect”.

“Since 1991, the coast of Ireland has been a dolphin and whale sanctuary and, unfortunately, in July this year three dolphins were found dead and one of them had a rope around its tail.

“There are suspicions that the super trawlers are killing these dolphins and then throwing them back into the sea.”

Kelly said the commission is “obviously taking it seriously” because it has “proposed revised technical measures on how to deal with this issue and the monitoring of super trawlers”.

The only way to deal with an issue like this is to have onboard inspections, in particular, and then for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (which is based in Clonakilty, Co. Cork) to be given the opportunity and resources to continuously monitor what’s happening off the west coast of Ireland.

Kelly said the rules need to be enforced and people who break them should be “dealt with” and “[brought] to justice”.

7318658562_ff1e341fe5_b-3 File photo of a super trawler Free photos & art via Flickr / Creative Commons Free photos & art via Flickr / Creative Commons / Creative Commons

In July, Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada called for an “effective ban” on super trawlers fishing on Irish waters.

Under the EU Common Fisheries Policy, vessels registered in the EU are allowed to fish in any EU waters.

At the time, Ní Riada said: “Super trawlers are seldom if ever boarded and seem to be immune from any form of inspection.

“Which stands in stark contrast to the treatment of Irish fishermen, who are subject to very regular oversight and who are routinely punished for even the slightest discrepancy in record keeping.”

Read: MEP calls for “effective” ban on super trawlers in Irish waters

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
37
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds