Governance Exclusion and Climate Disengagement: Understanding Fishers’ Perspectives in Castletownbere, Co Cork, Ireland

In the epoch of the anthropogenic climate crisis, the necessary policies and actions to alleviate the worst aspects of Climate Change require the involvement of the whole community and stakeholders at all levels. Based on research undertaken as part of a final year dissertation (Jeisy, 2023), this short policy brief examines the underrepresentation of fishers in marine policy decision-making in Ireland, focusing on Castletownbere in County Cork, the country’s principal whitefish port. Through qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews and fisheries data, this research highlights how restrictive quotas, the dominance of foreign fleets, and exclusion from governance structures contribute to fishers’ disconnect from broader environmental concerns and action. A key finding is that many fishers deprioritise Climate Change and sustainability incentives due to immediate economic struggles and a lack of representation in marine policy discussions and implementation. The study argues that addressing governance inequalities is essential for fostering more inclusive and effective climate adaptation strategies. Furthermore, it explores the importance of fostering stronger connections between fishers and policymakers to enhance trust, engagement, and shared responsibility in marine governance and protection.