Displaying items by tag: National Seafood Survey

12th April 2024

Record Numbers of Irish Fishermen Respond to National Seafood Survey

Fishermen in Ireland have responded in record numbers to the latest National Seafood Survey for fisheries, with more than 500 surveys completed by vessel owners, more than double the survey returns from last year and the highest response rate achieved for the fleet yet. The survey, which was launched in October 2023 and collected data for 2022, closed at the end of January.

The annual survey of the fishing fleet and subsequent submission of aggregated data to the European Commission would not be possible without the consistent support and assistance of skippers, vessel owners, and their representatives. Completing the survey is a legal requirement and a condition of grant payment.

The purpose of the survey, conducted by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), is to invite all active vessels to submit economic, employment, and operational details for their previous year’s activity. The information received in these surveys returns influence decisions made for national and EU grant aid programmes that are focused on supporting the Irish seafood industry and coastal communities.

2022 was an extremely challenging year for the sector due to soaring energy costs, high inflation linked to the war in Ukraine and ongoing quota reductions as a result of Brexit. High response rates to the survey this year have helped BIM to gain insights into the impacts these challenges have had on the economic performance of the fleet at a national and segment level.

The findings of the survey are published annually providing a comprehensive analysis of the economic performance of the fleet and the social demographics of people employed in the industry. Last year’s publication is available on the BIM website here.

BIM will host a series of meetings with vessel owners and skippers to discuss the findings of the most recent survey once they are available in September 2024.

Dr. Sarah Perry, the BIM National Seafood Survey Coordinator, is available for further information on the survey at [email protected]

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.