Government funding of NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and of environmental organisations which have targeted the fishing industry has been questioned by the Chief Executive of one of the biggest fish producer organisations in the country.
“It is incredible that the Government is funding NGOs and environmental organisations who are spreading disinformation and misinformation about the fishing industry,” says the Chief Executive of the Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation.
“These NGOs and environmental organisations, who are funded by the Government, are destroying the reputation of our traditional fishing industry, the livelihoods of fishermen and their families by spreading, inaccurate, wrong information against the industry,” according to Patrick Murphy who is based in Castletownbere in West Cork. “Our industry is a responsible one which is conscious of sustainability and the vital importance of fish stocks. Fishermen are the most concerned people about the future of stocks, because it is upon those stocks that they depend for their own future. How can this circle be squared, that the government which must support the industry because it is an essential food source, funds these organisations in damaging the industry?”
His comments reflect growing anger around the fishing industry over some NGOs and environmental groups that have regularly attacked fishing. Not all organisations have taken this attitude, some have reflected more balance, appreciation and understanding of the industry.
In the past month Europeche, the European representative organisation for the industry, has also been strongly critical of environmentalist attacks on fishing.
There is growing anger around the fishing industry over some NGOs and environmental groups which have regularly attacked fishing. Not all organisations have taken this attitude, some have reflected more balance, appreciation and understanding of the industry and there have been examples of co-operation. Other fishing industry representatives have told me that they are also deeply concerned about continuous attacks on the industry, misinformation and inaccurate statements about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and bottom-trawling have been particularly mentioned.
Detailed report and see also the CEOs column in the MARINE TIMES May edition.
