5.7 Inshore Fisheries

5.7 Inshore Fisheries

The implementation of the Strategy for the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector 2019-2023 continued in 2022, with the Strategy Implementation Group progressing actions it identified as having priority for the sector. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is leading the implementation of this industry strategy in partnership with the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) and the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA). A digital literacy syllabus for upskilling the inshore sector was developed and delivered using funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). An improved level of digital literacy within the sector should allow it to engage more effectively with existing structures and to also better organise and advocate on behalf of the sector.

An analysis of the inshore sector via National Seafood Survey data was completed and a gap analysis to inform the design and commissioning of an inshore census continues to be progressed. The census seeks to provide accurate and up to date industry relevant socioeconomic information on the inshore fisheries sector.

The NIFF met on four occasions during 2022. Following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, these meetings continued to be held virtually to discuss and develop proposals concerning inshore fisheries and their interactions with Natura 2000 sites as relevant. The NIFF is supported by a network of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs), which involve representation from inshore fisheries and other marine stakeholders. A dedicated website provides information on the work of the Forums: www.inshoreforums.ie.

Minister McConalogue announced in December 2022 an initiative to establish a Brown Crab Working Group to review the current arrangements in place for that fishery and to examine management options likely to support the sustainability of brown crab stocks in Ireland. The Group is expected to include relevant stakeholders such as representatives from industry bodies and be led and supported by BIM along with the Marine Institute, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and officials from DAFM.

The all-island mussel seed fishery continued in 2022, with the autumn fishing season commencing in the Irish Sea on 3rd September and the Castlemaine Fishery opening on 17th September. There were 55 authorisations issued for the Irish Sea Fishery, with 11 authorisations following in respect of Castlemaine for 2022. Both fisheries closed on 18th December 2022.

Mussel farmers fish for wild mussel seed that is then transplanted onto their licensed aquaculture sites for on-growing and later harvesting. The volume of seed which was fished in 2022 amounted to 11,379 net tonnes, representing an increase of 23% on the 9,270 net seed tonnage from 2021. The mussel seed fishery continued to be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), with the body recognising that the seabed mussel fishery is managed sustainably in accordance with MSC’s principles and criteria for sustainable fishing.

Figure from page 185