Dear Public Representative,

                                                Following a meeting held by the Arranmore Fishermen on the 21^st April 2002 it was unanimously decided to call for a boycott of the upcoming general election.  After a series of meetings with local politicians and the Minister for the Marine, Frank Fahy, regarding the requirement to purchase tonnage by inshore fishermen the fishermen have decided that they have no alternatives left open to them.  If introduced, these changes will wipe out the inshore fishery overnight and with it the income of the families that depend on it to stay on the island.  The following issues are the main arguments against this scheme:

• Impact Studies. No studies have been carried out on the impact the proposals will have on the inshore sector on Arranmore, or other small coastal communities.  It is our opinion that these measures have been poorly thought out and their introduction will have a major detrimental impact on island life.
• Cost. The cost of purchasing tonnage for a local boat will range from Euro 10,000 to Euro 30,000 which does not make economic sense for a part time fisherman.
• Licensing & Conservation. Island fishermen welcome licensing and conservation measures as they have been involved with various conservation measures for years.  However, these measures should be kept separate from the requirement to buy tonnage in the case of boats under 12m.
• Local economy.  The money earned by fishermen is put back into the islands economy and enables them and their families to remain on the island.
• Traditional rights. the islanders of Arranmore have been fishing in this way for generations and have no alternative employment opportunities with which to provide for their families.
• Salmon Quotas. the reduced salmon quotas will make this fishery unviable economically.
• Unemployment on Arranmore. Only 10% of the islandÕs population are currently working[1] with no alternative employment opportunities for fishermen forced out of fishing by the proposed changes.
• Population decline. the population of Arranmore has dropped approximately 40% in the past 20[2] years mostly due to forced emigration/migration due to lack of work.
• Future Generations.  The 18 and over age restriction combined with the requirement for 2-3 years track record in fishing will prevent young islanders who wish to do so from taking up a career in fishing.

It is our intention to ask islanders not to vote for any political party on election day in protest at these measures.

Yours Sincerely

Hugh Rodgers

Spokesperson, Arranmore Fishermen

07495 20925