Nephrops fisheries in the Galway Bay and Aran grounds

The Galway and Aran Fishermen’s Co-operative is situated on the west coast of Ireland, some 36 km west of Galway city, in the fishing harbour of Rossaveal. There are 12 large whitefish vessels in the fleet and another 8 smaller, weather dependant vessels

Fishing Grounds

The fleet has easy access to the Galway Bay and Aran grounds, where the prawn Nephrops norvegicus is plentiful.

Foresight for the Future

The nephrops fisheries in the Galway Bay and Aran grounds are very important for fishermen, accounting for almost 50% of the total annual Irish nephrops landings. Galway and Aran Fishermen’s Co-op is working with BIM in a major programme of conservation-orientated trials that take account of current EU policy in relation to stock recovery plans and technical conservation measures.

These trials are looking at the biological and economic effects of an increase in minimum mesh size and the use of various selectivity devices, including square mesh panels and separator trawls. Co-op vessels have participated in this research since 1996 and continue to be actively involved, with further experiments planned under the EU funded NECESSITY project.

View/Download the Galway and Aran Fishermen's Co-op Product Range leaflet in pdf format below.