The Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation has called for a long-term strategic plan to be developed for the fishing industry.
The EU Fisheries Commission earlier published a report highlighting the problems facing fishermen throughout Europe and urging national governments to take action to help their fishing fleets.
The South West Organisation said 25% of its members were choosing to leave the industry because they could not make a living.
Jason Whooley, the organisation's manager, said other sectors, most notably agriculture, had developed long-term strategies but there had never been one in place for the fishing industry, making it impossible for fishermen to plan their futures.
The South West Organisation said Marine Minister Noel Dempsey had never met any of the fishing organisations and never visited a fishing port.
It said that it was now time for the minister to meet the industry and to begin the process of drawing up a strategy for its future.
