A new program has been introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to help boost the economic growth of inshore fishing. The program comes after an inshore census was carried out by Bord Iascaigh Mhara in 2023, with the results soon to be released. These findings will be used to conduct a more detailed survey by applicants to gain a better understanding of the sector.
The goal is to provide effective support to inshore fishers to help them tackle the challenges they face in the market. To encourage participation in the survey, applicants will receive a payment. The scheme offers a total of €3,500 for vessels under 8m in length and €5,000 for vessels between 8 and 17.99m in length.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, announced the scheme to aid inshore fishing fleets. He emphasized the importance of gathering detailed information on market knowledge and access to new markets for inshore fishers. By closing the data gaps, the Department and BIM can provide more targeted support to ensure the economic sustainability of the inshore fleet.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the inshore fleet, especially in accessing markets, and highlighted the need for a comprehensive survey to address these issues effectively. The survey will be conducted in two stages, with payments made based on vessel length upon completion of each stage. The funding for the scheme will be sourced from the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund.
McConalogue also mentioned the recently opened Inshore Fisheries Scheme and the V-notching Scheme, which provide funding for investments on-board and on-shore, as well as conservation efforts for inshore lobster fisheries. The new scheme aims to complement these existing programs by supporting the fleet in market development and ensuring fair prices for their catch.
The scheme is expected to start accepting applications in September 2024, and further details will be available on the BIM website. This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering inshore fishing communities and driving economic growth in the sector.
