Fishing

Anyone involved in this industry will tell you that it’s more of a lifelong commitment than a simple career choice. Fishing is a profession that demands sacrifice and will more than likely signal an upheaval of your daily routine and lifestyle. For those prepared to meet these obligations and in possession of the necessary characteristics, a job in this industry will be a satisfying and rewarding option.

Current Climate
A fishing career is by no means plain sailing; the numerous tragedies of 2007 and 2008 brought the inherent dangers of the industry into sharp focus and emphasized the unpredictability of the sea.  This frailty is furthered by the fact that fishing is almost totally reliant of weather conditions; additionally the imposition of EU fish quota restrictions has adversely affected industry workers and employers adding to the capricious nature of the business.

Despite these shortcomings, fishing is a good career choice in many respects. The Irish Government and the EU have continually expressed their commitment to the industry, with schemes to promote conditions and equipment on fishing vessels and in shore-based facilities improving the working environment.

Know Your Place
Fishermen/women perform many tasks and they depend largely on the type and size of the boat upon which they are employed. Typical duties would be loading and repairing fishing nets, catching, sorting and gutting fish. Bigger fishing vessels often have very specialised and high-tech equipment.

Skippers lead the fishing vessel crew and are responsible for planning voyages, navigation, the operation and maintenance of equipment, the size and landing of the catch, and the safety and management of the vessel and crew. They must also be familiar with international regulations, and try to ensure that each fishing trip makes a profit.

Fish farm managers supervise the breeding and rearing of fish for sport and for food. This involves seeing them through the whole process from the hatchery to harvesting. Mangers also plan the work, supervise and train the staff.

Fish farm workers rear fish, to be sold as food, for sport or for ornamental ponds and lakes, in fresh water or the sea. The work also involves feeding the fish and cleaning tanks. Workers also watch for change or disease in the fish and checks the water is the right temperature.

Fishmongers prepare and sell fish. They may work in a fishmonger's shop or in a supermarket. The work may involve collecting fish supplies very early each morning and then preparing them for sale.

Show Me The Money
Fishmongers and fish farm workers will both start off on National Minimum
Wage, which will rise with experience; while a fish farm manager will expect to earn €22,000 starting off, increasing to around €46,000 with time. It is difficult to quote the exact income of fishermen/women as it can vary widely due to circumstances. Self employment is extremely common.

Top Tip
Opportunities exist for men and women established in Sea Fishing to advance to other occupations. This often involves expanding their skills with various training programmes. BIM runs courses approved by the Irish Department of the Marine, leading to certificates of competency as Deck Officer (Fishing Vessels) or Engineer Officer (Fishing Vessels). The Coastal Training Unit also provides further training at fishing ports around the coast and, subject to demand, short specialist courses covering a wide range of topics are organised to facilitate practising Fishermen/women during slack periods in their work programme.

Further Resources
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
P.O. Box 12
Crofton Road
Dun Laoghaire
Co. Dublin
Phone: 01 214 4100
Web: www.bim.ie
Email: info@bim.ie 

Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
29-31 Adelaide Road
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 678 2000
Web: www.dcmnr.gov.ie
Email: info@dcmnr.gov.ie 

The Central Fisheries Board
Unit 4, Swords Business Campus
Balheary Road
Swords
Co. Dublin
Phone: 01 8842 600
Web: www.cfb.ie 
Email: info@cfb.ie 

The Irish Skipper
Web: www.irishskipper.net
Email: skippereditor@iol.ie