Skip to main content
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Topics
  • Publications
  • Consultations
  • Contact

Translation help

Translate this page

Select a language

  • Arabic — عربي
  • Chinese (Simplified) — 中文简体
  • Chinese (Traditional) — 中文繁體
  • Dutch — Nederlands
  • Filipino — Filipino
  • French — Français
  • German — Deutsch
  • Hungarian — Magyar
  • Irish — Gaeilge
  • Italian — Italiano
  • Latvian — Latviešu
  • Lithuanian — Lietuvių kalba
  • Polish — Polski
  • Portuguese — Português
  • Romanian — Română
  • Russian — Русский
  • Slovak — Slovenčina
  • Spanish — Español
  • Ukrainian — Українська
  • Poots pledges to stand up for local fishermen

    Topics:
    • Fisheries

    Date published: 19 February 2020

    Fisheries Minister Mr Edwin Poots, has vowed to fight for our local fishing industry and support its growth as he visited Kilkeel Harbour today.

    Minister Poots pictured with Ben Collier at Sea Source factory in Kilkeel, Co.Down
    Minister Poots pictured with Ben Collier during his visit to ANIFPO in Kilkeel Harbour

    The Minister met with Mr Alan McCulla, OBE, Chief Executive of the Anglo-Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation, and representatives of Sea Source, to hear first-hand the issues facing the Northern Ireland fishing industry.

    After the meeting the Minister said: “I visited Kilkeel today to see for myself the current concerns facing our fishermen.

    “I recognise the challenges faced by our industry and will stand up for our local fleet. I’m very keen to hear how we can work together to help with the industry’s ambitious plans for future development.

    We discussed potential future fishing opportunities in the Irish Sea and even more pressing, the need to protect and support the industry to prosper, post-Brexit. I have made clear that it is unacceptable for our industry to be at any disadvantage.

    “The industry has made real progress in improving sustainability and we need to build on this to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for the industry.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
    2. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.

    Latest news

    • Minister Muir welcomes launch of the Rural Data Hub

      15 December 2025

    • Innovative products showcased to Pilgrim’s Europe

      15 December 2025

    • Puppies look forward to Christmas in their new homes as Minister Muir reminds the public: a pet is for life, not just for Christmas

      15 December 2025

    • DAERA urges greater vigilance as Quagga mussel confirmed in Lower Lough Erne – first confirmed record in Northern Ireland

      15 December 2025

    More news …
    Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on X (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

    Department footer links

    • Crown copyright
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy
    • Cookies
    • Accessibility
    • The Northern Ireland Executive
    • The Executive Office
    • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
    • Department for Communities
    • Department for Education
    • Department for the Economy
    • Department of Finance
    • Department for Infrastructure
    • Department for Health
    • Department of Justice
    • nidirect.gov.uk — the official government website for Northern Ireland citizens