Diversification key to sustainability of coastal communities: Fisheries sub-Committee
An Oireachtas sub-Committee has this afternoon called for government policy to focus on the survival of rural coastal and island communities by promoting a diverse range of activities. The sub-Committee on Fisheries has outlined how aquaculture, inshore fishing, sea angling, marine tourism and seaweed activities can contribute to vibrant coastal and island areas.
Some of the recommendations include
- The current fragmented governance of the maritime sector be rationalised, along the lines of Marine Scotland across the water;
- Certified, practical courses for fishing communities be established by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, in conjunction with new training agency SOLAS;
- Inland Fisheries Ireland work more closely with tourism agencies to ensure the integration of sea angling into tourism packages and marketing campaigns;
- The Department of Transport explore the licensing of dual use fishing vessels both for commercial fishing and tourism angling and how their conversion might be grant-aided; and
- The Departments of Marine and Environment resolve the regulatory licensing issues that pose an impediment to the development of the seaweed industry.
For the full report visit this link below
