Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has reported strong take-up of a new support scheme to help fishing boat owners adjust their businesses in a post-Brexit market.
Under the scheme, depending on the size of their boat, grant aid of between €2,700 and €4,000 is available for fishing vessel owners on completion of a tailored training programme. This includes a variety on online business and marketing modules.
The new scheme, administered by BIM, is based on recommendations contained in the final report of the Seafood Task Force established last year by Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue.
Another scheme recommended by the report — to mitigate the impact of Brexit by promoting the blue economy in coastal communities — was announced by the minister in recent days, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
Ireland’s inshore fishing sector comprises about 1,800 vessels, which catch a range of fish and shellfish species and usually operate in waters close to the coast.
The sector had exported up to 90% of its catch. However, the effect of Brexit and associated new fishing agreements has had an impact on export trends because accessing or transiting through the UK market is now more complex.
BIM’s chief executive Jim O’Toole has warmly welcomed the strong sign-up of a large amount of inshore fishing vessel owners to the new scheme.
Speaking at this weekend’s Irish Skipper Expo in Limerick, he said: “We are delighted to see such significant support and interest in the scheme. These numbers have been growing exponentially in recent days, so we urge everyone to register on the BIM website before next Thursday’s deadline of March 31st.
“The training modules to be undertaken ahead of receiving the grants include digital skills, sourcing alternative market opportunities and developing new business ideas and plans. We believe they will better equip this sector to face and deal with the challenges they are encountering.
“I would like to commend how resilient the sector has been in the last two years, and despite the many obstacles ahead, they are determined to overcome them. Supports like this are currently crucial.”
To register for the Brexit Inshore Support Scheme or see further information, visit the BIM website HERE.