Conor D McGuinness warns of fishing collapse, demands reset

Conor D McGuinness warned about stark disparities in fisheries catches, citing that 450 tons of soil were taken in Irish waters while the Irish fishing fleet received just 28 tons. He argued the problem is not only conservation but also fair access, sovereignty and the need for a radical reset in Irish and European fisheries policy.

Disparity in catches

Conor D McGuinness highlighted a recurring pattern across fisheries, noting specific losses where 450 tons were taken from Irish waters while the domestic fleet was left with just 28 tons. He said this marginalisation affects mackerel, prawns and other key stocks and represents a consistent problem for the industry.

Conservation versus access

He stated that conservation matters and that science must guide management, but stressed the issue is not solely an environmental crisis. McGuinness framed the matter as also being about fair access and sovereignty when the state provides some of the richest fishing waters in Europe.

Impact on coastal communities

Speaking from the perspective of a coastal community and county, he warned that an already fragile industry faces a fatal trajectory without change. He said there are plenty of fish in Irish waters to sustain the industry while meeting conservation objectives, but current arrangements are failing those goals.

Call for policy reset

McGuinness called on the minister for a radical reset in how Ireland approaches fisheries policy and urged change at the European level. He insisted there can be no return to business as usual and demanded serious answers about how access and conservation are being balanced.