Northern Ireland fishing problems centre stage in Brussels
03 May 2006
Alan McCulla of Anglo North Irish Fish Producers, based in Kilkeel, has given evidence to the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament on the additional pressures created on the fishing fleet by run-away fuel prices. Mr McCulla's invitation to address the Committee was arranged by Jim Allister as a Member of the Committee.
Mr McCulla told the Committee:-
"In Northern Ireland as the costs of fuel rockets through 42p (or 60 Eurocents) per litre, it is gradually accounting for a bigger and bigger percentage of a vessel’s earnings. At least 33% from a typical trawler’s weekly earnings is going on fuel. This combined with increases in other overheads (such as vessel insurance and the cost of leasing quota) and operational restrictions like the closures mentioned earlier are squeezing the margins even further. While some quayside prices have also increased, these increases are not keeping pace with increased fuel costs.
Our organisation, along with colleagues from the rest of the UK, have tried to develop a strategy to offer support to the fleet. This would consist of short-term and long-term measures. Within the UK ways are being investigated of making engines of fishing vessels more efficient, using alternative fuels and examining how fishing gear and methods could be changed to reduce the fuel bill. But these changes, if possible, are expensive and are some time off. What does the fleet do in the meantime? We can’t wait. Unlike every other sector, the fleet cannot pass on increased overheads in additional charges to their customers – the buck quite literally stops with the vessel owners and their crews.
So as we continue to talk about these issues and listen intently for the words of comfort, the pain is biting. Already this year more than 10 commercial fishing vessels have left the fleet, through sales and indeed serious accidents.
Northern Irish fishermen do not want to rely on Government hand outs. We believe there is a sustainable and viable future in our industry, and we can certainly compete with the best in Europe in achieving our goals. Indeed, there has been investment in the fleet in the hope of a light at the end of the tunnel. Our fishermen, like all fishermen just want to be able to go to sea and make an honest living, but if the EU and our own Government remove these rights, then the EU and the UK must be obliged to help our fishermen."
Commenting Mr Allister said:-
"I was pleased that Alan McCulla accepted the invitation to give evidence to the Committee. Along with representatives from the sector in other parts of Europe, he left us in no doubt as to the depth of crisis created by excessive fuel prices. As often happens, countries other than the UK are active in supporting their industry. For example, in France there is a €60 million compensation fund and in Spain a €200 million fund. In the UK, there is nothing. Thus our fleet is bearing impossible demands without assistance and yet is expected to compete with those who get national aid. I will continue to press for meaningful aid for this highly pressurised sector."
