Marine Minister Michael Creed spoke with representatives of the fishing sector yesterday (Friday 20 March) to discuss next steps amid the challenged of the Covid-19 outbreak.

As reported on Afloat.ie by Lorna Siggins yesterday, fears have been growing that Ireland’s fishing fleet could be forced to tie up in port, following the virtual disappearance of their primary European markets as the continent goes into lockdown.

Already, the Irish Examiner reports that one fish processor, the Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Operative, has closed for the coming week but could remain shut for up to three months.

Minister Creed said his videoconference with fishing representatives was “constructive”.

“It is very clear that, as with many other sectors, the fisheries sector is facing very difficult times as its traditional markets both in Asia and now in Europe have been effectively closed.

“The bad weather earlier in the year has resulted in lower than normal catches and therefore both the crew and vessel owners were already in a disadvantaged position.”

All parties discussed the possible options available to the sector, with a focus on redirecting supply of whitefish normally sold in Europe to Irish fish counters and consumers and “keeping food on the tables of our citizens, keeping those in the sector in their jobs and sustaining, where possible, economic activity in the sector”, the minister added.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara has been asked to work with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the industry to provide practical support for the necessary changes.

The minister has also written to EU fisheries commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius seeking changes in EU regulation that would allow for temporary frozen storage and support the sector during this crisis, and to consider providing EU aid to the Irish fleet to cease fishing on a temporary basis.

In the meantime, the department says normal service is continuing at the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres at Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs, Dingle and Rossaveal.

“It was clear to me that the fishing sector shares the concerns of every citizen and is committed to mitigating the health risk for all including sectoral workers,” said Minister Creed. “I appreciate that as food suppliers they have a special role and are committed to doing their part during these difficult times.

“The Government is fully appreciative of this considerable effort and I will provide necessary supports to the sector over the coming period.”