Shannon Says Fisheries Minister Must Step Up

Fisheries Minister must work with cabinet colleagues at Westminster to save the fishing industry

Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, speaking after the Fisheries debate took place at Westminster has urged the fisheries minister to work with cabinet colleagues to make necessary changes to save the fishing industry.

Jim Shannon MP said following the debate on 22^nd January 2026, said: “I had the opportunity to highlight the needs of my fishing community in Portavogie and also that of Ardglass as their South MP representative refuses to take his seat.

“The seafood industry in Northern Ireland plays a vital role in supporting the economies of our coastal communities.

“In 2023, the fishing fleet comprised 211 registered vessels, and employed 445 people.

“Trawlers of over 10-metres, mainly targeting nephrops, account for around half the fleet, and today at least 70% of the nephrops fleet is reliant on a non-EU migrant crew.

“That is one of the highest rates in the United Kingdom fishing industry. Those crews form an important part of the workforce.

“Northern Ireland industry leaders have described the cliff edge that they face when it comes to skilled worker visas.

“Those will become unavailable to the fishing industry beyond 2026—that is really worrying—except for during a limited period of time in which the visas of crew already working in the industry can be renewed.

“Industry leaders also highlighted escalating salary thresholds and the English language requirements in the industry, and they requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss those issues.

“If such issues are not addressed, that could result in a loss of up to 70% of crew on Northern Ireland vessels, potentially tying up almost 100% of the Northern Ireland nephrops fleet within a few short years.

“The Minister has acceded to my request and I will be urgently seeking a date to raise these issues in greater detail along with fishing representatives from Northern Ireland.”

An Ardglass boat-owner/skipper said: “We are at the crossroads. We need to see some changes to the regulations easing this difficult situation where it is almost impossible to get foreign crews.

“Local people don’t like working on fishing boats even though the wages during the prawn season are high.

“Something has to happen or we are all going to hit the rocks!”