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Ghost Boats and Human Freight: The Social Wellbeing Impacts of the Salmon Ban on Lough Foyle’s Fishing Communities

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Social Issues in Sustainable Fisheries Management

Part of the book series: MARE Publication Series ((MARE,volume 9))

Abstract

In response to the alarming decline of wild Irish Atlantic salmonstocks (Salmosalar) and an EU-led ban on drift-netting, a recent moratorium on the commercial driftnet fishery for salmon in Ireland was introduced. Recognising a lack of investigation of the impacts of fisheries conservation policy from a user-perspective within EU fisheries management, prior to or after implementation, this chapter considers how the wellbeing of traditional salmon drift-net fishers or drifters and their community is affected by the loss of this fishery. The study is set in the cross-border area of Lough Foyle between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A social wellbeing approach provides the analytical framework for assessing the impacts and unintended consequences of a pro-conservation policy instrument for human wellbeing and ecosystem health, such as the out-migration of youth or ‘human freight’ and abandoned ‘ghost’ boats. Using empirical evidence the chapter explores micro-scale drivers that can affect the macro-scale implementation of a policy in greater depth. The chapter concludes with a vision for the future from a resource-user perspective, highlighting areas of common ground that may help foster a sustainable way forward.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna.

  2. 2.

    Shortened from a May-August season.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental Sciences, University of Ulster, PO Box 172, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Ireland

    Easkey Britton

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The School of Science University of Greenwich, Chatham, Kent, United Kingdom

    Julie Urquhart

  2. University of Greenwich The School of Science, Chatham, United Kingdom

    Tim G. Acott

  3. University of Hull Yorkshire, Hull, United Kingdom

    David Symes

  4. Greenwich Maritime Institute Office University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom

    Minghua Zhao

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Britton, E. (2014). Ghost Boats and Human Freight: The Social Wellbeing Impacts of the Salmon Ban on Lough Foyle’s Fishing Communities. In: Urquhart, J., Acott, T., Symes, D., Zhao, M. (eds) Social Issues in Sustainable Fisheries Management. MARE Publication Series, vol 9. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7911-2_8

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