National fisheries profile of Ireland : a detailed social analysis of the Irish fishing sector

The National Fisheries Profile (NFP) for Ireland offers a comprehensive analysis of the fisheries sector, highlighting its economic, cultural, and environmental significance. This detailed report aligns with European Union standards and recommendations from STECF providing insights into the dynamics of Ireland's fisheries, their governance, and the societal impacts. Ireland's fishing fleet comprises approximately 2,000 registered vessels, supporting over 14,000 individuals both directly and indirectly. The fleet is segmented into divisions such as Polyvalent, Beam Trawl, and RSW Pelagic, each specialising in particular species and fishing methods. This structure allows for efficient resource management and adaptation to varying market demands. Key fishing grounds include the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea, Porcupine Bank, and Rockall, with the most targeted species being mackerel, herring, Nephrops (Dublin Bay prawn), and demersal whitefish. While the majority of Irish fishing effort is concentrated within Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), international fleets, particularly French and Spanish, also operate extensively in these waters. Ireland has six main Fishery Harbour Centres, including Castletownbere and Killybegs, which are central to the sector's operational and economic activity. Killybegs remains Ireland's largest and most important port for pelagic landings, while Castletownbere leads in whitefish.