Celebrating Sustainability in Killybegs?
It was interesting to read that United Fish Industries, (UFI) are to build a state of the art fish meal and oil processing facility in Killybegs. A reason for congratulations and celebrations in South Donegal!
My reason for writing is to express enthusiasm for the strict environmental standards that will be adhered to and to address a further need for sustainability. Many locals, fishermen, anglers and tourists will really appreciate the commitment to protect the pristine local environment. Critically there is an additional requirement that the sustainability of target and non-target fish stocks are assured both locally and in their ocean habitat.
All those in the industrial fishing sector, fishermen, processors, meal suppliers and fish farmers have a responsibility to ensure sustainable future fish stocks beyond Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) controls. The long term future and sustainability, of fishing, crucially depends on protecting the diversity and abundance of the natural environment.
The natural abundance in our oceans, estuaries and coasts is a prized asset. Many will be re- assured if the Fishing Industry and controlling agencies continue to work for future sustainability of natural resources, in addition to the high environmental standards for the new plant at Killybegs.
Protecting future abundance, diversity and value of our natural environment is vital to achieve the natural sustainability needed for economic/ socioeconomic success in coastal communities. Environmental protection is therefore to be welcomed and sustainability of fish stocks, both near and far is equally important.
Yours sincerely
Brendan Kerr
19 Swanton Gardens
Edinburgh
EH10 7DJ
As was reported, IAWS, a leader in the fast growing lifestyle food business operates via Origin Enterprises a supplier of fishmeal, fertilizer and animal feed through UFI. IAWS, Origin Enterprises and UFI are dependent upon a supply of fish to feed the needs of aquaculture. Other smaller commercial operators, including many who fish as a lifestyle choice, demand that wild fish are always abundant and are aware that it is essential to balance the needs of natural fish and aquaculture. Their future depends upon natural abundance. A marketable fish, wild or farmed, ultimately depends on natural abundance. Since fish meal provides the basis of aquaculture natural stocks need to be abundant.
Therefore it would be economically and ecologically sensible to exploit fish stocks sustainably and manage wild stocks with future value in mind. That means balancing the catching of wild fish with the impact of fish farms on other fish stocks and a holistic assessment of the natural environment.
Yours sincerely
Brendan Kerr
19 Swanston Gardens
Edinburgh
EH10 7DJ