The Irish fisheries sector, represented by approximately 2,000 registered fishing boats, 85% of which are coastal boats under 15 meters, is widespread along the country’s coastline and often operates from isolated piers. The average age of fishermen is increasing, and most of them acquire their knowledge through practical experience.
One of the most significant challenges facing Irish fishermen is the transition from paper-based data registration to an online electronic system. This transition requires not only new equipment but also new skills. In general, technological skills in Ireland are not sufficiently high, and this also applies to those employed in the fishing industry. To address this issue, a lifelong learning strategy has been developed to enhance skills that meet the needs of the economy, promote community viability, and provide learners with basic technical knowledge.
The conference also reviewed the achievements of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for 2014-2020. Out of 591 million euros, 30.1% has been invested in value creation, 24.8% in activity diversification, 19.6% in socio-cultural support, and 25.5% in other goals. Among the direct beneficiaries, 38% are legal entities, 31% are municipalities and state institutions, 14% are private individuals, 8% are non-governmental organizations, and 9% are others. During the last planning period, 14,211 projects were implemented.
During the discussions, several challenges related to bringing European support closer to the people were also highlighted. Often, positive news about EU investments does not spread in a positive light, and the local press frequently forgets to mention EU funding when describing events. Local politicians often attribute the implemented projects to their own success stories, forgetting to acknowledge that it is the result of LEADER’s efforts.
A crucial component of the activities of local action groups is networking. In Finland, the network function is entrusted to the groups themselves, one of which is the “operator” that finances the network’s needs, while the other groups actively participate and contribute.
Conference participants learned about successful projects in other European countries. For example, in Croatia, a center dedicated to transforming the global fisheries industry has been established. In Greece, the Alyki Lagoon wetlands project is an excellent example of biodiversity and local potential utilization. In Slovenia, a project to promote youth fishing tourism was implemented, while in the Cyprus and Greece cooperation project “Immersed in Our Islands,” blue economy activities were created through experimental tourism.
In Ireland, with the support of the EU fund, a fish trading shop “BUBBAS” was opened, offering fish, fish products, souvenirs, and even bread. The shop owner acknowledges that the sale of coffee also plays a significant role in maintaining the business.
The Irish fisheries sector faces challenges, but as emphasized at the FAMENET conference, with a lifelong learning strategy, EU fund support, and local community involvement, it can adapt and develop, ensuring a sustainable future for both fishermen and the community as a whole.