Inshore fishermen warn livelihood is on a tight line
Inshore fishermen in Ireland are struggling to maintain viable businesses due to rising costs for fuel and bait alongside falling market prices for shellfish. The industry faces pressure from international economic factors, leading to concerns about the future of coastal livelihoods.
Why it matters
It highlights the economic vulnerability of small-scale traditional industries in the face of global inflation and supply chain pressures.
The day's catch on Leenan Pier in Inishowen, Co Donegal, is sorted by hand - live crab for China and lobster for France and those landing it note margins are tightening.
For fisherman Robert Kearney, the catch reflects both sides of the inshore trade: high-quality seafood leaving a remote coastal community for international markets and a business model under severe pressure from fuel, bait and shellfish prices.
"This is a typical catch for August; there’s a lot of soft-shell crab on the ground [sea-bed]. We don’t have a big quantity of crab, but the quality is very high.
"This is destined for China. A van will take it away tomorrow and it will be flown live into Beijing within two to three days," he said
Mr Kearney said the value of the catch is hit by bills.
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