Trócaire Project
Today four fifth years involved in a Trocaire project on Justice and the environment interviewed local fisherman, Thomas Markey about the effect climate change has on the fishing industry in Ireland. The interview was very informative and the students gained insights into species loss, fishing quotas, competition for fishing grounds, the effects of storms on the fishing fleet and the fish export market. The commitment and dedication of the fishermen, and women, to preserving fish stocks and native species integrity was very clear and heartening. The interview focused particularly on the shellfish industry and students learned so much including lobster size regulations, the exportation of whelks to Korea, the markup on shellfish in restaurants and Government tie up schemes to preserve stocks. The students really appreciated the value and complexity of the fishing industry in Ireland after the interview and felt very privileged to gain such insights.
