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MARINE TIMES NEWS November 4th:
Minister encourages fishermen to participate in the Inshore Fleet Economic Assessment Scheme as deadline for applications extended
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD wishes to encourage all eligible fishermen to participate in the Inshore Fleet Economic Assessment Scheme and to make them aware of the extended deadline for applications of 8th November.
Commenting the Minister said: “I have met with representatives of the inshore fleet to discuss the challenges facing this fleet, in particular those affecting their ability to access markets. I have progressed a scheme specifically in response to these challenges. This additional data will enhance my ability to target supports more effectively and support the continued economic viability of the inshore fleet in coming years.
"I asked BIM to implement the scheme, which opened on September 16th and I am pleased that, following this recent clarification on eligibility, the deadline for applications on BIM’s website is now extended to 8 November . I encourage all eligible fishers to participate.""
The Minister previously announced the scheme specifically to support and enable the economic development of the inshore fishing fleet.
The scheme is designed to build on Inshore Census carried out by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in 2023, by capturing additional detailed information in relation to the current market knowledge and routes to market being used by inshore fishers, as well as their ability to identify and access new markets.
Under this scheme, participants will complete detailed surveys, which will inform and enable a detailed and comprehensive assessment of these aspects of the sector. This in turn will allow the Department and BIM to develop and target effective supports that will assist inshore fishers to respond to the market challenges they face.
Following engagement between the Department and fishers representatives last week, clarification on the eligibility criteria has been issued and updated on the Bord Iascaigh Mhara website and the deadline for applications is now 8th November.
In order to encourage participation in the survey, and in recognition of the significant administrative work involved for those who do participate, the scheme will make provision for applicants to receive a payment, and the survey will be carried out in two stages. Payments will be based on vessel length, and will be paid in two instalments, one on completion of each stage of the survey. Under the scheme, a total of €3,500 will be available to vessels under 8m in length, and a total of €5,000 to vessels between 8 and 17.99m in length. A key amendment to the eligibility criteria has also been made to the scheme meaning applicants must be able to show activity of 60 days in the preceding two calendar years (2022-2023) to be eligible for the scheme. This replaces the previous need to show 60 days activity in each of the two calendar years. BIM have committed to re-assess applications previously received in light of this new eligibility criteria and those applicants will not need to resubmit an application.
The initial instalment will be €2,000 for eligible vessels on the completion of Stage 1 of the survey with the remaining balance on completion of Stage 2.
The Minister concluded: “I was pleased over the course of the summer to announce the opening of a number of schemes to support the fishing and seafood sectors. This new scheme will complement the specific inshore scheme, providing the support needed to assist the fleet in developing and accessing markets, and getting a fair price for their catch.”
Details are available on www.bim.ie
