Friday 17 January 2014

Rural coastal survival?

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

Promoting sustainable rural coastal and island communities

New Website

The beginning AND the end…

Forwarded to - The Irish Bass Policy Group (David McInerny, John Quinlan, Shane O Reilly, Mike Hennessy, Dr William Roche, Dr Nial O'Ma...