NI Fishing Industry On Cliff Edge Says Jim Shannon MP Due To Crisis Over Accessing Foreign Crews
The Northern Ireland fishing industy is facing a perfect storm and it has issued an urgent call for government action to address a deepening recruitment crisis that threatens the future of the sector and the coastal communities it sustains.
Northern Ireland Fish Producer’s Organiation CEO Dr Lynn Gilmore and Trevor McKee, Chairman, Chairman, outlined their case to the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp MP, at a meeting in the Home Office on Monday 20th April.
The meeting was secured and facilitated by Jim Shannon MP, and Mike Cohen from the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations was also in attendance.
An estimated 70% of workers in the Northern Irish Nephrops and scallop fleets are currently employed either through the Skilled Worker Visa (SWV) route or under the transit visa mechanism. Industry leaders warned that neither system provides a stable or workable solution for vessel owners or crew.
The NI fishing industry is calling for the introduction of a bespoke visa tailored specifically to the needs of the sector. Such a scheme would enable the recruitment of a limited number of non-UK crew members — estimated at around 250 workers — on a seasonal basis.
Jim Shannon MP has said: “Under the proposed model, visas would be issued for up to 10 months of the year, reflecting the seasonal nature of fishing.
“A mandatory two-month break would ensure that workers do not contribute to net migration figures (as the opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain would be removed by having a break in employment), while maintaining a reliable, valued and experienced workforce.
“The stakes are high. Research by Seafood Cornwall indicates that each job at sea supports up to 15 jobs ashore.
“Without a viable crewing solution, the consequences could include widespread vessel tie-ups, consolidation of the fleet, and significant disruption to the wider seafood supply chain across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.”
The NI fishing industry representatives urged Mike Tapp MP to work collaboratively with stakeholders to design a visa system that meets both regulatory requirements and operational realities and avoid a cliff edge while initiatives to recruit domestically are progressed over the next 5- 10 years.
Jim Shannon added: “Failure to act, industry representatives have warned, risks the collapse of a sector that is central to Northern Ireland’s economy, food security, and cultural identity.”
Minister Mike Tapp was open to the arguments put forward by industry leaders and acknowledged the issues faced. He committed to consider the information presented and respond in due course.
The NIFPO represents fishing vessel owners in the ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie. The wider communities are currently looking into a void of uncertainty not knowing if their historic indigenous industry has a future.
