Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

68. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of work to develop the new inshore fisheries sector strategy, in light of the fact that the previous one expired in 2023; the timeline for the publication of the new strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8250/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Strategy for the Inshore Fisheries Sector 2019-2023 was the first industry-led blueprint for the Irish inshore fisheries sector involving the National and Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums. I understand an inclusive approach was taken in developing that strategy, and in identifying the key issues and priorities for the sector, including a Steering Group with industry and State partners, a dedicated workshop and public consultation.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, has led the implementation of this strategy, in partnership with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and with the support of my Department, the Marine Institute, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and other agencies. In contributing to the actions set out in the strategy, BIM carried out an Inshore Census during 2023 with the aim of gathering more detailed data on the Irish inshore sector and ensuring that there is a suitable evidence base to inform the current developing strategy for this important part of Ireland’s fishing fleet. BIM have reported a high response rate to this Census and are currently analysing the data provided by inshore fishers to this valuable initiative.

I can inform the Deputy that BIM is actively engaging with the inshore sector on a new Strategy and it is envisaged that an extensive consultation process will take place with the sector and other stakeholders. Since the NIFF brought forward the first industry-led Strategy for the sector in 2019, and during the lifetime of this Government, two Producer Organisations have been guided to provide additional representation for inshore fishers to give them a stronger voice. My Department completed the formal recognition process of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation (IIMRO) as an EU Producer Organisation that focuses on our offshore islands and that of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA) as an EU Producer Organisation for inshore fishers. The new Strategy is being eagerly pursued and was discussed also at a meeting of the NIFF last week with my Department continuing to support this process, along with its future implementation.

The development of the new Strategy will also provide a means of engaging with the sector on its goals and ambitions while seeking to address matters important to this sector and fully considering measures to support its longer-term sustainability and viability. The Strategy will also aim to comprehensively address the challenges faced by the inshore sector and the measures necessary to support it in adapting to these challenges. It is expected that full engagement and consultation in respect of the new Strategy will continue to take place during the first half of the year with the Strategy anticipated to be ready for publication in the later part of 2024.