Fisheries Minister Mr Edwin Poots, has vowed to fight for our local fishing industry and support its growth as he visited Kilkeel Harbour today.
![Minister Poots pictured with Ben Collier at Sea Source factory in Kilkeel, Co.Down](https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/daera/news/IMG_6431%20%28003%29.jpg?itok=ywfiAUCz×tamp=1582131713)
The Minister met with Mr Alan McCulla, OBE, Chief Executive of the Anglo-Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation, and representatives of Sea Source, to hear first-hand the issues facing the Northern Ireland fishing industry.
After the meeting the Minister said: “I visited Kilkeel today to see for myself the current concerns facing our fishermen.
“I recognise the challenges faced by our industry and will stand up for our local fleet. I’m very keen to hear how we can work together to help with the industry’s ambitious plans for future development.
We discussed potential future fishing opportunities in the Irish Sea and even more pressing, the need to protect and support the industry to prosper, post-Brexit. I have made clear that it is unacceptable for our industry to be at any disadvantage.
“The industry has made real progress in improving sustainability and we need to build on this to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for the industry.”
Notes to editors:
Latest news
- Next steps for XL Bully Dog owners 23 July 2024
- Muir meets key stakeholders following launch of 37-point action plan 23 July 2024
- DAERA seeks views on Review of the Schedule to the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016 22 July 2024
- Muir welcomes Executive approval for Lough Neagh Report and 37-point Action Plan 18 July 2024