750 tonnes of blue whiting diverted to fish meal sparks industry outrage in Killybegs over pier-side weighing rules
Calls mount for overhaul of control measures after 750 tonnes of fish diverted from human consumption to fish meal.
A row has erupted in Killybegs, Co Donegal, after 750 tonnes of blue whiting destined for human consumption in West Africa was instead processed for fish meal due to rules governing monitored landings.
The incident has prompted outcry from fish processors, industry bodies and local politicians, who are demanding urgent reform of how fish landings are weighed and monitored in Irish ports.
The fish, landed by an Irish trawler last Friday, was part of a randomly selected monitored landing carried out under EU regulations and Ireland’s EU Commission-approved Control Plan. But the dewatering process used to weigh the fish at the pier is said to have compromised its quality for human consumption.
“Morally Wrong”: Processors Slam Pier-Side Weighing
Brendan Byrne, CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA), called the outcome “morally wrong”, stating that fish fit for human consumption should not be diverted to fish meal due to bureaucratic procedures.
“There are two options now,” Byrne said. “We need a clear Government policy directive on how to process blue whiting, or we allow full monitoring in the factories with SFPA supervision 24/7.”
Aodh O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), said the industry is committed to sustainability but criticised the current monitoring method.
“The dewatering process used during pier-side weighing impairs fish quality. In-factory monitoring would provide a higher standard,” he said.
He added that the industry had offered to carry out monitored weighing in factories under camera surveillance and in the presence of inspectors — an option not taken up by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
Political Pressure Builds as Industry Demands Reform
Local Fianna Fáil TD Pat the Cope Gallagher and Fine Gael Senator Manus Boyle both condemned the situation, with Boyle describing it as “a mortal sin” given the fish was bound for a developing market in West Africa.
“We’re lucky to have fish meal processing, but this was a good product. Every monitor should be done in the factories,” said Senator Boyle.
The case also had knock-on consequences for workers, with around 50 factory employees reportedly losing two days’ pay after the fish was diverted. The issue was raised on the floor of the Seanad on Tuesday.
SFPA and Government Say Rules Were Followed
In a statement, the SFPA confirmed the vessel had been selected under the 1-in-20 rule for monitored pier-side weighing and that the operator had been notified in advance. The agency said the trawler owner chose to direct the fish to a fish meal plant, which does not have post-transport weighing permission.
The SFPA added that “it is the operator’s responsibility to have appropriate dewatering equipment” regardless of the destination.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said Minister for the Marine Timmy Dooley is legally barred from interfering in SFPA operational matters, but added that he has asked the agency to engage directly with the operator and industry.
The Minister is due to visit Killybegs next week to meet with stakeholders and hear concerns first-hand.
Source: Various
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