Fishing vessels will steam up the River Lee to Cork city on Wednesday, led by the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation (IS&WFPO), protesting critical issues in the Irish fishing industry. The “Show and Tell” campaign aims to deliver a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s office in Turner’s Cross, Cork. With cooperation from the Port of Cork Company and Garda, the IS&WFPO invites the public to meet fishermen, hear their stories, and engage with representatives.

The protest fleet will gather off Roches Point, Cork Harbour at 7 am, with a public address scheduled at Horgan’s Quay, Cork, at noon before proceeding to Turner’s Cross. Key concerns include the loss of 15% quota in the Brexit deal, the reintroduction of an administrative penalty points system, and the withdrawal of the EU control plan, mandating fish catches to be weighed on piers.

The IS&WFPO emphasizes the industry’s essential role during the pandemic, yet feels overlooked by the government. They highlight financial strains and job losses, attributing the crisis to the erosion of their rights. Despite recent government acknowledgment through a ministerial task force led by Minister for Marine Charlie McConalogue, the organization stresses the urgent need for action to prevent industry collapse.