A Cork based fishing organisation says coastal communities will face “unfathomable” consequences if boats are forced to tie up due to increasing costs.
The Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation says local economies in communities such as Castletownbere are heavily dependent on business from fishing boats.
Bórd Iascaigh Mhara says the seafood industry employs over 16,000 people and contributes €1.26 billion to the economy every year.
Fishermen say the price of diesel for their boats has risen from around 30 cent two years ago to over €1.20 now, which the organisation says is forcing many captains to disband their crews.
Speaking to RedFM News, Patrick Murphy from the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation says rural areas can't afford to lose the economic benefits created by fishing.
"To understand the value of fishing in communities, BIM did a study all around the country and in Castletownbere 85% of the economic activity is generated through fishing - 85%.
"You take fishing out of that - you're killing communities. And it's happening. It's happening as we speak.
"And we're asking the minister now, all of us not just Castletownbere - Killybegs, Dunmore East, Howth, all the fish processors.
"Everybody's asking the minister now to try and keep this industry going."
