The Agriculture and Fisheries’ Minister, Michelle O’Neill, doesn’t listen to the fishing industry and has done nothing to protect an important fishery in velvet crabs, according to NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Paul Leeman.
“Three years ago I presented the minister with a petition signed by almost 70 fishermen, calling on DARD to ban the landing of berried, or spawning, velvet crab, to protect the population for future generations in the industry”, Paul explained. “Velvet crab forms a small but very significant fishery along the County Down coast. Michelle O’Neill wanted our group to meet her officials first and I strongly suspect that was because she didn’t have a clue about the issue.”
“We had discussions with a delegation of top officials and there was a promise to introduce measures immediately to protect the velvet crab fishery and the queen scallop fishery. Since then three seasons have elapsed and there has been absolutely no action. As a result the fishery is struggling seriously and its future is in doubt. This is just one example of a minister who is either not on top of her brief, or else has no will to help the fishing industry and coastal communities.”
“Michelle O’Neill has effectively lost control of her department. Her officials talk about a lack of resources, but I believe the problem is much more systemic than that. The minister must raise her game and take control of her department properly. Otherwise fishermen will continue to suffer and fisheries will wither away and die.”