Fisheries

The Fisheries Operational Programme is geared to deliver maximum integrated development in the sector through an investment programme focused on the fishing fleet, aquaculture, processing, marine research, fishery harbours and training through a total investment package of £140 million. Funding will be provided through the measures set out below.

Adjustment of Fishing Effort

Renewal and Modernisation of the Fishing Fleet

Aquaculture

Port Infrastructure and Facilities

Processing and Marketing

Promotion of Fish Products

Human Resources / Training

Research

Technical Assistance

The O.P. is comprised of nine measures, six of which are funded by the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (F.I.F.G.), two by the European Regional Development Fund (E.R.D.F.) and one by the European Social Fund (E.S.F.).

Overall administration of the programme is the responsibility of:

Department of the Marine and Natural Resources,
Fisheries O.P. Section,
Leeson Lane,
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 678 5444

Adjustment of Fishing Effort

This measure provides 7 million E.C.U funding for decommissioning of vessels from the Irish registered fishing fleet, in line with E.U. fisheries targets, over the period 1995 - 1999. The objective is to remove some 4,000 Gross Registered Tonnage from the Irish Fleet.

Renewal and Modernisation of the Fishing Fleet

Two schemes are forseen under this measure - fleet renewal and vessel modernisation. It is envisaged that a number of second hand vessels will be introduced into the fleet. Modernisation of the fleet will be supported to ensure a reasonable standard of effiency and hygiene. In addition incentives will be provided to promote the development of underdeveloped sectors of the fleet.

Back to top

Aquaculture

This measure supports the development of the aquaculture sector through investment in new aquaculture projects, modernisation of existing facilities and the provision of technical assistance. The scheme is open to all licensed aquaculture operators and new entrants.

A total investment of £36 million will be made over the period of the programme. The F.I.F.G. will provide £11 million. The objective is to continue the sustainable expansion of aquaculture output, productivity and jobs and to meet the need for raw material in the processing sector. This will be realised by:

• Stimulating investment in new aquaculture projects.
• Modernising existing projects.
• Developing production methods for new species.
• Encouraging more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly production techniques.
• Developing extensive cultivation or ranching of species.
• Facilitating local co-operative involvement and enterprise.
• Overall administration of this sub-programme is the responsibility of:

An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Udaras na Gaeltachta.

Back to top

Port Infrastructure and Facilities

This measure provides investment for the development of fishing port infrastructure and dedicated service facilities. The scheme is mainly directed at public sector projects and is aimed at supporting the expansion of fish landings, aquaculture and ancillary industries and at economic renewal in coastal regions.

A total investment of £18.6 million will be undertaken over the period of the programme. Actions include:

• Developing infrastructure and facilities at priority fishery harbour centres to cater for demand.
• Upgrading and preserving local harbour infrastructure.
• Providing equipment and other essential service facilities.
• Establishing an adequate and reliable ice supply network.
• ensuring better and safer access at mainland and island harbours.

Overall administration of the programme is the responsibility of:

The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

Back to top

Processing and Marketing

This measure provides investment for new processing facilities, equipment and installations and for the upgrading of existing facilities. The main beneficiaries will be the owners of fish processing outlets and new entrants to the industry.

This measure provides for a total investment of £31 million in new processing facilities, equipment and installations and for the upgrading of existing facilities. The objectives is the improvement of conditions under which fishery and aquaculture products are processed and marketed through greater value added activities, improved quality and hygiene standards and more efficient structures by:

• Developing scale and specialisation in processing.
• Providing new processing facilities.
• Modernising and extending existing facilities.
• Upgrading existing structures.
• Developing new product, packaging and transport techniques.
  
  

Back to top

Promotion of Fish Product

This measure will enable An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to develop and strengthen markets for Irish fishery and aquaculture products at home and abroad. The main beneficiaries will be those involved in the sea fisheries and aquaculture industries.

The following activities will be undertaken:

• Seminars and information briefings.
• Market prospecting and inward buyer programmes.
• Promotions programmes
• Consumer surveys.
• Tradefairs and exhibitions.
  
  

Back to top

Human Resources / Training

This measure is designed to develop skills and support employment in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Training will be open to new entrants to the sea fishing industry and to practising fishermen, fish farmers and processing plants personnel.

A total investment of £6.35 million will be made over the period of the programme, the European Social Fund will contribute £4.76 million. The objective is to ensure the efficiency, safety, quality and business skills needed for development of the catching, aquaculutre and processing sectors through:

* Initial career structured training programmes for deck crews, engineers and fish farmers.

* Continuing training for skippers and engineers.

* Product and quality hygiene instruction for fishermen, fish farmers and processing personnel.

* Business management/marketing training for co-operative, processing and fish farming personnel.

* Training in environmental standards and obligation.

Overall administration of this sub-programme is the responsibility of:
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Back to top

Research

This measure is focused on enhancing the performance of the marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Ireland through investment in project-based research and development and the upgrading of laboratory facilities.

A total of £8.17 million will be invested over the period of the programme, the E.U. will contribute £6.127 million. The objectives will be meet through:

• Providing an enhanced research vessel capability.
• Providing marine laboratory infrastructure at key national centres of expertise.
• Increased value added in marine food products through project-based R & D.
• Developing marine engineering and technology products and services through project-based R & D.
• Undertaking a national survey of marine resources.
• Improved management and development of marine inland fisheries and aquaculture through project-based R & D.

Overall administration of the programme is the responsibility of:
The National Marine Institute.

Back to top

Technical Assistance

This measure is designed to support the other measures in the Operational Programme for Fisheries. It may be used by the National Authorities in conjunction with the E.U. Commission to provide support and consultancy services and enable economic, technical and feasibility studies to be carried out.