Fishermen warn of impending loss of life at sea
A Southwest-based Fishermen's organisation has warned Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources Frank Fahy of ``Impending loss of life at sea if he does not consider their request of the introduction of safety days.''
Safety days are days allowed at the end of the season to compensate for the days lost as a result of weather conditions which prohibit fishing vessels going to sea. This is a recognised safety practice in restricted fisheries in other states and is aimed at protecting the lives of fishermen in small craft.
In 1996, the 26-County Department of the Marine cut the length of the salmon-fishing season from 85 to 32 days.
The salmon season is now confined to the months of June and July only as compared to March to July inclusive under the old regulations. In terms of workable hours, the reduction is from 1920 hours to just 384 - a huge 80% reduction.
West Cork-based salmon fisherman and spokesperson for the Cork Commercial Salmon Fisherman's Organisation, Séamus de Búrca, warned of the possible consequences of the present policy:-
``It is becoming ever more extremely difficult for the commercial salmon fishermen to survive on 20% of the season when you have to allow for engine breakdowns, bad weather, etc. Unfortunately, this shortfall in this restricted season is forcing fishermen to sea in dangerous conditions, which will undoubtedly result in a fatal tragedy sooner rather than later.
``It must be borne in mind that the majority of craft presently engaged in salmon fishing range from 16' open punts to 30' half deck fishing boats. Fishermen, due to the short season, have no option but to go to sea even when they realise there is a real danger to themselves, their crews and their craft in order to make a living.
``With the incoming introduction of the new logbook and tagging scheme for salmon boats, it would be quite feasible to introduce the concept of ``safety days'' as this could be noted in the logbook. It is the honest belief of the Cork Commercial Salmon Fishermen's Organisation that there will be lives lost in the coming seasons if the Minister for the Marine does not immediately act on our recommendation.
``In the event of a tragedy, the blame will lie fairly and squarely at the feet of those who have the power to rectify this problem. We urge all political representatives, especially in coastal regions to put the lives of fishermen at the top of their agenda in relation to this matter.
``Seven fishermen have already lost their lives along the Cork coastline in the last 12 months. It's now time for the Minister to act to prevent further
tragedies.''
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