DESMOND BRANIGAN,
Madam, - On behalf of the Maritime Institute of Ireland, I write to express our appreciation of your timely and telling Editorial of December 11th.
Throughout the 62 years of our existence the Institute has persistently campaigned for the development of Ireland's fishing industry and has been consistently concerned at the consequences of the EU quota system. Up to now our concern has been with the development and expansion of the fishing fleets and related fish processing. The present position, however, is one in which the consequences of the proposed changes in the Common Fisheries Policy could have disastrous consequences in social and community terms.
It is acknowledged that stocks of several fish species are dangerously low, but the quota system (which is widely ignored anyway) has not, and cannot as currently administered, conserve endangered stocks.
The alternative methods of stock reservation, advocated by the Irish industry, while restrictive, are reasonable alternatives which must be vigorously promoted by the Government.
Finally, if as stated in your Editorial there has been a history of trading our fishing industry to secure advantages for agriculture, there is an urgent need for all sections of marine related industries to coalesce and establish a powerful lobby to promote and protect their interests. - Yours, etc.,
DESMOND BRANIGAN,
President,
Maritime Institute of Ireland,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.