Industry representatives held a meeting with Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine officials yesterday to discuss the current difficulties within the sector. 64% of Irish seafood exports are reliant on European markets.
Fishermen on the west coast would usually expect up to €20 a kilo for lobster at this time of year. Now, however, they are being offered from €6 to €10 a kilo as there is no market for the produce. The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine said that supports are currently available to fishermen through the National Covid-19 Income support scheme.
The Department added: "Contrary to some commentary, no additional EMFF funds have been made available by the EU Commission.