Gildernew addresses National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has addressed members of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) at Stormont.

A special dinner was held in Parliament Buildings to mark the first meeting in the north of the NFFO Executive Committee, the main representative body for fishermen in England, Wales and the north of Ireland.

Speaking at the event the Minister said: “The NFFO plays a very important role on behalf of its members, and I am grateful for the support which the organisations under your umbrella have given me, particularly on nephrops. We share a common objective to ensure the fishing industry has a sustainable future.”

The Minister went on to set out her views on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. She said: “My objectives for reform are very clear - more scope to take decisions at local level, more involvement by key stakeholders, improvements in the data on which decisions are based and a greater recognition of the needs of our fisheries dependent communities and their historic fishing rights. I will be working with Fishery Ministerial colleagues and MEPs to achieve these objectives.”

Expressing concern about the possible introduction of a system of transferable fishing rights, the Minister said: “I remain to be convinced that such a system would be to the benefit of an industry like ours and the coastal communities which depend on that industry. Experience elsewhere is that this leads to rights being acquired by larger and financially more powerful operations.”

In conclusion, the Minister paid tribute to the NFFO Chairman Davy Hill from Kilkeel, who she described as an effective and conscientious chairman determined to protect the best interests of his member organisations and individual fishermen.

Notes to editors:

1. NFFO is the main representative body for fishermen in England, Wales and the North of Ireland. It is actively involved in all the major negotiations affecting the sea fishing industry.
2. The Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Organisation, which is based at Kilkeel, is one of the organisations which is part of the NFFO.
3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.