Irish fishing industry representatives have called on the Government to provide a temporary fishing cessation tie-up scheme for vessels to support the industry through the turmoil created in the markets by Covid-19.
Industry representatives held a meeting with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials yesterday to discuss the current difficulties within the sector.
The seafood sector is worth over €1 billion to the Irish economy.
64% of Irish seafood exports are reliant on European markets.
With restaurants and businesses closed throughout Ireland's main fish export markets in Spain, France and Italy prices have tumbled for Irish fishermen.
Fishermen on the west coast would usually expect up to €20 a kilo for lobster at this time of year. Now, however, they are being offered from €6 to €10 a kilo as there is no market for the produce.
Ger Concannon who is a fisherman in west Clare said that they would normally be fishing from St Patrick's day on but that this year they have yet to set their pots as there is no market.
Mike Flathery, who also fishes for lobster and crab, said that its a very difficult time for fishermen with no markets for their fish and no income for their families.
White fish and oysters are also facing very difficult market conditions.
John Ward of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation called on the Government to establish a "tie-up scheme" for the fishing industry.
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine said that supports are currently available to fishermen through the National Covid-19 Income support scheme.
It added that the minister sought additional EU funding for the temporary cessation of fishing activity but that this funding has not been provided.
The department added: "Contrary to some commentary, no additional EMFF funds have been made available by the EU Commission.
"The department is working with BIM to identify possible savings within schemes on the basis that some projects are not now likely to proceed or are not a priority.
"This will free up funds that maybe directed at Covid-19 support.
"A Storage Aid scheme is now possible following the amendment to the EMFF which would allow fish to be stored on a temporary basis and be quickly re-introduced onto the market.
"This would allow the fleet to continue to fish and support the continuation over the period of a supply of seafood for domestic and EU markets, while also providing a safety net if markets cannot be found for some catches".
