Documentary: 'State of the Planets Oceans' explores ecosystems in dire straits

In a new Documentary:State of the Planets Oceans filmmakers Hal and Marilyn Weiner investigate of the health and sustainability of the worlds oceans and the issues affecting marine preserves, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems in the United States and worldwide.

The United States, Canada, and the members of the European Union have adopted tougher fishing controls and have started to shrink the size of their fishing fleets. In the 1980s and 1990s the Newfoundland government closed down the cod fishing grounds because of over fishing. Cod stocks off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland have still not recovered.

Ireland- A net contributor to EU?

There has been criticism of Ireland's decision to reject the Lisbon Treaty especially in France and Germany. Much of this is patronising and insulting. It is accompanied by references to Ireland’s alleged ingratitude to the EU. Undoubtedly Ireland has much to be grateful for-especially the access to huge EU markets and financial transfers which aided the development of infrastructure et al.

However there are also transfers from Ireland to the EU.
Ireland, controls 16% of EU waters, yet has only 4% of the EU fish quota. Some Irish fishing sources estimate that EU countries have taken €120 billion worth of fish since Irish membership in 1973. A conservative estimate is €50 billion to €60 billion. Many species of fish such as cod are on the verge of extinction in Irish waters thanks to over fishing by foreign trawlers.
It is not unlikely that Ireland is a net contributor to the EU. Time for answers from our politicians.