The demonstration is timed to send a strong signal to the European Council of Ministers, which will take place next week and where decisions will be made which may have a major effect on fishing communities throughout the continent. The European Commission has made proposals to extend restrictions on days at sea to additional areas and to make major cuts in Total Allowable Catch for some crucial fish stocks.

According to Mike Fitzpatrick of the Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation “Although many of the most drastic measures are aimed at areas other than the South West coast of Ireland we know that it is only a matter of time before we are hit with them also. So we are here in solidarity with our European colleagues”.

Mr Fitzpatrick added “The Commission believe that they have the answer to all problems with the days-at-sea system but in fact it is counter productive. It gives little or no conservation benefit but delivers a huge socio-economic blow to fishing communities. The effectiveness of conservation measures which have been in place for several years are not being assessed. Alternative conservation proposals which will deliver results without the social costs have been tabled by fishing industry groups and they must be implemented”.