This selection is the result of two days spent around Kilkeel Harbour where the fishing fleet is reported to be the largest in Northern Ireland. However the industry does appear to be under some pressure! Speaking with those involved in the industry tell a different story. Today the fleet is a fraction of its former size. There are many immigrant workers involved and without them the current fleet would not exist. The cost of running a boat are considerable. One skipper said that his boat takes 40,000 litres of fuel and this will barely last 30 days. We now know the reason for our increased price for a portion of fish and chips! I had not previously known much about “guard Vessels” used to protect assets at sea. A major company in this business is headquartered in Kilkeel.
