Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1265: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to improve the marine environment by implementing environmental and inshore management systems and supporting efficient waste management, environmentally friendly fishing gear and technical innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47729/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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BIM and the Marine Institute implement a policy of grant aiding investment to improve our marine environment. Examples include: the Beaufort Awards which, in conjunction with the Marine Institute, funds research on ecosystem management; and a range of projects under the Science/ Industry partnership which focus on the reduction of discards in fisheries.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1266: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to support the economic and social development of maritime communities through the provision of training and upgrading of existing skill levels, developing of infrastructure and support for innovation and product development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47730/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently a number of initiatives being pursued by Bord Iascaigh Mhara aimed at enhancing the supply chain both at onboard level and in auction centres. BIM is delivering training at its training centres to upgrade skill levels of fishermen.

'Steering a New Course' the National Strategic Plan sets out a number of avenues to support economic and social development of maritime communities.

Within available resources and over the timeframe of the Plan, BIM will progress initiatives in this order.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1267: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to increase supports to assist fishermen to make the changeover to more environmentally friendly fishing gear and more fuel efficient equipment, providing maximum permitted grant aid for a range of equipment, from environmentally friendly fishing nets to gear monitoring systems that improve fuel efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47731/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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BIM has in place an ongoing programme of grant aiding new onboard technologies. It is also currently carrying out trials on an eco-friendly pelagic fishing net.

The aim of such initiatives is to incentivise industry in adopting environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient fishing gear that is species and size selective, minimising the impact of fishing gear on sensitive habitats and protecting non-target species.