Ritchie concerned over plight of Lough Neagh eel fishermen
A LOCAL councillor has voiced concerns over European proposals to suspend commercial eel fishing.
Alderman Drew Ritchie has urged Stormont Minister Carál Ní Chuilín to take action to mitigate the effects of the proposals, which he said would have a “hugely detrimental effect” on the Lough Neagh eel fishery.
At present, eel fisheries in Northern Ireland are the responsibility Ms Ní Chuilín’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
Lough Neagh Eels were granted protected geographical indication status in 2011.
The eel fishery, based in Toome, is reportedly the largest in Europe producing between 400 to 600 tonnes per year.
European Union proposals would ban eel fishing on Lough Neagh and close the Toome eel fishery.
Two European countries, Ireland and Norway, have already banned all eel fisheries, but not Northern Ireland, where the Lough Neagh eel industry is seen as a valuable part of the Mid-Ulster economy.
“The minister’s response to the situation which the eel fisherman of Lough Neagh find themselves in is totally inadequate,” Ald. Ritchie said.
He added: “Instead of looking for independent advice and conducting equality assessments, I would appeal to the minister to take some direct action to alleviate the fishermen’s plight and put in place plans to ‘buy out’ their fishing permits.
“This was done successfully in the past with the Salmon Nets for conservation purposes when stocks became dangerously low.”
Ald. Ritchie said the DCAL Committee considered this issue recently and added: “Whilst the declining stock levels of eels throughout Europe must be addressed, our eel fishery on Lough Neagh will be severely affected by any limitation on fishing.
“Sinn Fein’s Caral Ni Cuillin should take real action instead of attempting to duck the issue by throwing this out to what is effectively a review process.”
Minister Ní Chuilín has written to DEFRA in London stating that she will not consider any ban without:
• additional independent scientific evidence;
• a full Equality Impact Assessment under s.75(1) of the NI Act 1998;
• full consultation with all stakeholders; and,
•appropriate compensation packages for all those affected in the event of any suspension.
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Monday 20 May 2013
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