Pages 1-9 - Mara Media
Transcription
Pages 1-9 - Mara Media
Skipper 1964-2016 1964-2014 The EXPO INT. R - BU MP M ay 2016 ER S H O UE 27 E AG 56 P 28 ERDEEN AB SKIPPE SERVING THE IRISH & UK INDUSTRIES - JUNE 2016 €3.50/£3.00 S WI S New Cygnus Cyclone 38 ‘Vesper’ leaving Valentia for the Western Isles. Photo Niall Duffy BREXIT: IN OR OUT? Fishermen debate the case for EU membership LEADING JOURNAL OF THE IRISH & UK FISHING INDUSTRIES See pages 2-3, 38-39 Skipper The Production & Design: Declan McGrath [email protected] Editor: Niall Duffy [email protected] Tel: 086 823 9608 Sales: Sharon Boyle [email protected] Tel: 074 95 480 37 Mob: 0868401250 Managing Director: Hugh Bonner [email protected] Contributors: Tony O’Callaghan Gudjón Einarsson Michael Craine Paul Riddel Mike Warner Subscriptions: Sarah Connaghan [email protected] or subcribe online at www.maramedia.ie/ subscribe-skipper Published monthly by Mara Media Annagry, Letterkenny, Co Donegal www.maramedia.ie In the compilation of The Skipper, every care is taken to ensure accuracy. Where errors or omissions are brought to the attention of Foilseachán na Mara Teo., future publications will be amended accordingly. However, Foilseachán na Mara Teo. does not accept liability to any person for loss or damage arising from anything contained in this publication or for any error or omission in it, even if such loss or damage is caused by negligence of Foilseachán na Mara Teo., its servants or agents. Opinions and articles featured are not necessarily the opinions of Foilseachán na Mara Teo. INSIDE JUNE’S ISSUE AROUND THE PORTS PAGES 10-11 ABERDEEN SHOW NEWS PAGES 24-29 NEW VESSEL FEATURES PAGES 32-33 / 34-36 MARINE INSTITUTE SURVEY PAGES 40-41 Marine & General Insurance Brokers. “Insuring Your World Today” Cavanagh Hooper Dolan INSURANCES INSURANCES LTD. Tel:+353 (0)74 9177500 Fax:+353 (0)74 9177200 Email: [email protected] Web: www.chd.ie Cavanagh Hooper Dolan Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland 2 News THE SKIPPER JUNE 2016 BREXIT: What does it mean for the fishing industry? By Ciarán O’ Driscoll, M.A Prime Minster David Cameron’s 2012 announcement to host a simple in/out referendum on British membership of the EU, called Brexit, was due to fend off the rising threat of the Eurosceptic UK Independence Party (UKIP) to his own Conservative Party. Nonetheless, the June 23rd referendum has stirred up deep debate about what a Britain outside of the EU will look like, with everyone from US President Obama to actor Sir Michael Caine having a say on issues of immigration to financial regulation. However, what of fisheries? How will this impact Britain as well as Ireland? I’ll be providing some comments on the two issues which most affect the industries of these islands, access and quotas. To begin with access, there is free access to EU waters on a non-discriminatory basis for all Member State fleets. Many in the pro-Brexit Leave campaign sight a Britain outside of the EU, here it could regain control of its 200nm zone, limiting who could enter British waters, from Dutch factory ships to our own Irish fleet (GetBritainOut.org). The EU would have to renegotiate access agreements with Britain, similarly to what Norway has in place with the EU for access to its territory in order to fish and land mackerel and herring since 1990. It raises questions over to what degree the Irish fleet will have continued access to British waters and ports, as such agreements take time and would be conducted on behalf of Ireland by the European Commission. The same can be said for British vessels coming into Irish territorial waters, as when negotiations do not go according to plan, they can harm their respected fleets economically. Such as in late 2009 when mackerel talks between Norway and the EU broke down, fleets on both sides were prevented from accessing the waters of the other. What also comes with these access agreements is securing free trade of fish products with the EU, Britain’s largest trading partner. The EU’s Single Market allows for the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital across borders without hindrances. Granting Britain continued access to the Single Market, and EU territorial waters, could only be achieved by giving the EU fleet access to British waters, according to Prof. Richard Barnes of the University of Hull’s Law School, who told the New York Times (14.04.2016). This undermines the Leave side that exiting the EU would leave to total control of British waters instead, much compromise would be given here to ensure Britain has continued access to trade with the rest of the EU and fish in its waters. As of now, Ireland has unhindered access to British ports, waters and able to trade freely, however, a post-Brexit Britain throws up many questions about long-term access and potential impacts on trade. The second issue here would be quotas, where many view the annually set TACs, especially from an Irish perspective, are economically adverse and do not reflect the fair share Britain and Ireland should hold due to high level of stocks present in these waters. Fishermen, campaigning for an Out vote , state that after Brexit the fish resources “would entirely be back in UK control” and “would then be entirely British fish allocated and managed at Britain’s discretion for Britain’s interests alone” This would not be the case post-Brexit, as a Britain would still need to cooperate with the EU and others on managing populations of fish, which cross national boundaries as Prof. Barnes stated in the same New York Times article. While Britain is not as small as the Faeroe JUNE 2016 THE SKIPPER News 3 • Vessel Surveys - all types • Condition, Insurance, Pre-purchase, accident • Project, Conversion & New-build Supervision • Vessel / Licence Sale and Purchase consultancy www.promara.ie Noel O’Regan, MBA, I Eng, IMarEng, MIMarEST, MIIMS Tel: 087 3435666 Fax: 022 22467 Email: [email protected] Islands, the threat of sanctions and losses to trade their fishery products, forced the Atlantic island country to concede and compromise over its unilateral mackerel quotas in late 2012. It’s a case to highlight how unilateral actions over setting quotas does not work in the 21st Century world of interdependence, in particular where many fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic migrate across British and the borders of others. Norway has several international routes of cooperation on setting quotas and access, not just the EU but Greenland, Russia, Iceland and others as 90% of its fishing is based “on stocks that are shared with other states” (Norwegian Fisheries Directorate – fisheries. no). There would also be the need for greater investment and expansion of the Marine Management Organisation and the Scottish Fisheries Protection Authority in terms of personnel and tools at its disposal. This comes at a time where the Conservatives are in power, who traditionally prefer spending cuts as a means to achieve its political goals rather than additional spending. So, it would not be the case as put forward for the Leave campaign that British fishermen would be able to fish what they like, when they like due to pressures from other governments, environmental organisations, the general public, etc. Britain would have to stick to what would be agreed by the likes of the ICES (Dr. Thomas Appleby, University of West England – The Times – 06.05.2016). There is also the case of Scotland, where the majority of British fishing is based, is far more proEU than that of England. Many speculate that a Scotland post-Brexit could seek another referendum on independence with the aim of joining the EU. However, such a situation, as well as those which I’ve presented above over access and quotas, might not come to pass if Britain votes to remain within the EU. With opinion polls too tight to call where the votes will fall, all will be revealed on June 23rd. The overall picture of a Brexit is one of uncertainty for both British and Irish fishermen, and the communities which depend on the industry. If such an outcome was to take place, those repercussions will go far beyond fisheries, and for generations to come. Ciarán O’ Driscoll, M.A has a Masters Degree on the EU from UL and is a researcher on the CFP and the EU. Suppliers of Commercial & Leisure Equipment Contact: Cork 021 4554334 - Dublin 01 8457231 Athlone 0906 477000 - Marine Coatings 0861292704 [email protected] www.unionchandlery.com ATLANTIC MARINE SUPPLIES LTD DEPARTMENT OF MARINE APPROVED LIFERAFT SERVICE STATION PRODUCTS • LIFERAFTS • LIFEJACKETS • RESCUE BOATS • IMMERSION SUITS • PYROTECHNICS • H.R.U.’S • BOARDING LADDERS SERVICES • LIFERAFT SERVICING • LIFEJACKET SERVICING • IMMERSION SUIT SERVICING • HIRE LIFERAFTS Suppliers of full range of approved lifesaving equipment. Service of RFD, DSB, Dunlop - Beaufort, Zodiac and Lifeguard equipment Donegal Road, Killybegs, Co. Donegal. Phone: 074 9731440 Fax: 074 9731699 After hours; 074 9731332 Email: [email protected] 4 News THE SKIPPER JUNE 2016 Letter to the editor To whom it may concern, Fishing might not be the number one item on the political agenda at present, but for many coastal communities it is the difference between survival and the death knell of those communities. When we entered the EEC in the early 1970s we were a poor country with no vision for the future. We hardly had the money to purchase a net up to then; most fishing developments had failed due to the lack of markets. Our industry is suffering because of mistakes we made as a country in the 1970s; yet 60,000 of our people depend on fishing for their economic survival. An EU study showed that the Beara Peninsula and Castletownbere is over 90% John Nolan, Castletownbere Fishermens Co-op Photo Michael McSweeney dependant on fishing for its survival. We are a sovereign country with a population of 4 million people. We provide Europe with 22% of its waters; these waters are probably the most lucrative fishing grounds in the EU. Our white fish fleet is small in size making up only 2% of the European fishing fleet, yet, it is not possible for these boats to make a living fishing off their own coast legally – because of what we did as a sovereign country in 1970. We, as an industry, are not looking to double our fleet; but we are seeking the right that our white fish, as presently constituted, be allowed fish the average number of days they fished, as a fleet, for the last 5 years. With the no discards rule Bere Island Boatyard Ltd Ballinakilla, Bere Island, Beara, Co. Cork P75 XC94 OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Power washing & cleaning • Steel fabricating & welding • Sandblasting & galvanizing • High Pressure water blasting • Plastic Welding • Painting • Ultra sonic testing & mega testing for code of practice • Paint & anodes available from stock • Marine carpentry including caulking • Machining • Milling • Lathe work & precision engineering • Refurbishment of sea valves • Fibreglass repairs • Propeller & rudder shaft removed & measured for code of practice www.bereislandboatyard.com E: [email protected] T: 00353 27 75975 Winners of “Shipyard of the Year” in the Maritime Industry Awards 2015 Christopher Hannon & Co Ltd Precision & Marine Engineering Unit 18, Cessna Avenue Airport Business Park Killowen, Co Waterford Phone: 051306017 Fax: 051306018 Mobile: 0872574507 E:[email protected] www.channonmarineengineering.com HYDRO ARMOR coming in they should be allowed land and sell all the fish they catch; above the legal minimum size. I have enclosed a document showing how our European partners have allocated quota up to now, whilst remembering we bring 22% of the most lucrative fishing grounds to the table. If the UK were able to enact changes to the EU treaties, then it should also be possible for Ireland to negotiate changes to fishing treaties for the benefit of our industry. Yours Sincerely, John Nolan Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Op, Dinish Island, Castletownbere, Co. Cork. JUNE 2016 THE SKIPPER News 5 Attorney General to review penalty Point scheme Outgoing Minister Simon Coveney has asked the Attorney General to review the Statutory Instrument on the penalty points scheme that he signed earlier this year. In a statement to the Dail the former Marine minister said; “I have been considering all of the concerns raised by deputies and by the fishing industry in relation to the implementation of the EU points system for serious infringements of the Common Fisheries Policy. In this respect, I met with representatives of the fishing industry recently.” “I have also asked the Attorney General, as a matter of urgency, to examine the Statutory Instrument which I signed into law at the beginning of March. I have asked her, in particular, to consider the issue of whether there is a way that the assignment of points for licence holders can await the completion of the prosecution process, while at the same time ensuring that Ireland is fully in compliance with its obligations under EU law.” “It is my intention to report back to the Oireachtas as soon as I have received the Attorney General’s advice and I have examined a way forward in the context of that advice. Subject to that advice, I would be open to amending the current SI to move further to meet the concerns raised in particular in relation to the assignment of points following the completion of the prosecution process.” Deputy Thomas Pringle,Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil tabled motions to annul the Statutory Instrument introduced by, then, minister Simon Coveney, which reinstated the system which had been struck down by the High Court. Since Minister Coveney made the decision, Michael Creed TD has been appointed as Minister of Agriculture, Food and The Marine and it now becomes his responsibility. Thomas Pringle responded to the announcment saying: “The decision by former Minister Coveney to refer the SI to the Attorney General for review is welcome however serious questions remain as to why this SI was introduced at all. It clearly seeks to reintroduce the system that was struck down by the high court and the minister admitted that it did not have a sound legal footing yet he intended to push ahead with it.” “It goes against any form of justice that if a court decided that a crime did not take place points should still stand. Many people in fishing communities have been left wondering why they are being treated differently than others citizens. The Attorney General needs to confirm that this will not be the case”. Sinn Fein’s Martin Ferris, who has taken on the fisheries portfolio in his party’s new team at Leinster House, was vociferous in the Dáil on the issue of the penalty points. The party moved to put the motion to annul SI 125 of 2016 on the order paper on the first day the Dáil resumed after the election. “The challenge now is to get that motion moved in the Dáil,” said Martin Ferris. “That is up to the party whips or else it can be moved during private members’ time. It should be possible to deal with it Designers, manufacturers and installers of the EKM range of deck equipment. Roshine, Killybegs, Co Donegal - W: www.ekmarine.ie T: 353 74 9741683 F: 353 74 9741686 E: [email protected] Minister Simon Coveney relatively shortly, especially if those independent deputies and the parties who claim to be supporting the fishing industry stand up.” “There was a lot of talk before the election of wanting to change the way politics works and it remains to be seen now if that was a genuine wish”. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Fianna Fail has welcomed Minister Simon Coveney’s decision to refer the Statutory Instrument to the Attorney General for examination to determine its legality and legitimacy. Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Gallagher said “I find it incredible that the Minister signed a new S.I. in March, which was widely condemned by the fishing industry and failed to address the very significant findings of the High Court.” “The 2016 S.I. ignored the findings of two successful High Court challenges relating to the absence of a suitable appeals process and the issue of penalty points being applied irrespective of whether an offence had been found to have been committed. “ the Cope. “It is not fair that this S.I. would permit authorities to administer points to fishermen in the absence of a conviction through the courts. It is incredible that if the court subsequently decided that a fisherman was not guilty, the penalty points would still be attached to the fisherman’s record” stated Pat the Cope. “I welcome the fact that the Attorney General will now examine the matter independent of the Department of the Marine.” “We must ensure that a fair fishing points system is implemented in compliance with EU regulations, one which treats everyone fairly and equally before the law. This needs to be reflected on by the outgoing Minister and the newly appointed Marine Minister. I would strongly urge the new Minister Michael Creed TD, to examine the system that is used in the UK with a view to rolling it out in Ireland” concluded Deputy Gallagher. 6 News THE SKIPPER JUNE 2016 Scottish mackerel fishery achieves prestigious MSC ecolabel The commitment of Scottish pelagic fishermen to a sustainable future has been underlined by the certification of the North East Atlantic mackerel fishery with the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel. Over 700 northern European mackerel fishing vessels from Scotland, Denmark, Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Norway, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France and Lithuania participated in the MSC certification, which was achieved on 11 May. Zephyr at the mackerel. Photo Ian Leask These multi-national fisheries joined together as the Mackerel Industry Northern Sustainability Alliance (MINSA) in 2012 so as to respond to the mackerel quota allocation dispute in the North East Atlantic at that time, which resulted in MSC certification being suspended. But with the new situation where three major partners in the fishery – the EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands agreed an international management framework - MINSA believed the time was right to enter the fishery for reassessment. John Goodlad, chairman of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG), said mackerel was Scotland’s most important fishery in terms of value and volume, and gaining MSC certification highlighted the sector’s determination to fish responsibly and ensure a sustainable future for the sector. “It is fantastic to see that the sustainable practices carried out in this iconic fishery have been recognised by achieving the much coveted MSC ecolabel,” he said. “MSC certification gives a clear message to consumers that the mackerel they buy is MCM Insurance Brokers Limited sustainably caught Specialist broker to the Irish fishing sector. and comes from a responsible and well managed fishery. “The MSC stamp of PBP ServiceS - Peter Bruce (PatSy) approval also gives BlaStS cleaning & Protective coatingS Since PBP erviceS - Peter Bruce (P1968 atSy) an important boost BlaStSHIPHALL cleaning & P/rotective coatingS 1968 INTERNAL DRY DOCKS UPSince TO 165 METRES to Scottish fishermen INTERNAL SHIPHALL / DRY DOCKS UP TO 165 METRES and processors and will aid marketing Contact our experts: mackerel around the Ballina office on - 096 72977 world. We firmly MCM Insurance Brokers Ltd. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland believe that mackerel should be a staple item in our shopping baskets – it is after all an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and is particularly rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which are so important for heart health.” Ian Gatt, secretary of the SPSG and coordinator for the Mackerel Industry Northern Sustainability Alliance (MINSA), which coordinated the programme for MSC reassessment, said it represented the largest ever international collaborative approach for such certification this side of the Atlantic. “The fishing boats involved in the MSC certification range from small coastal handline vessels through to large ocean-going pelagic trawlers – and between them they will sustainably catch around 588,000 tonnes of mackerel in 2016 in the North East Atlantic,” he said. The certification involves vessels belonging to the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation, Irish Pelagic Sustainability Association, Irish Pelagic Sustainability Group, Norges Fiskarlag/The Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association (Netherlands), Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, and Swedish Pelagic Federation Producers Organisation. PBP ServiceS - Peter Bruce (PatSy) BlaSt cleaning & Protective coatingS Since 1968 INTERNAL SHIPHALL / DRYCOATINGS DOCKS UP TO 165 METRES SPECIALIST FACILITIES | PROTECTIVE | REGISTERED TECHNICIANS SPECIALIST FACILITIES | PROTECTIVE COATINGS | REGISTERED TECHNICIANS Ship Repair / Refit Works, Blast Cleaning and Ship Repair Coating / Refit Works, Blast and Protective Services to Cleaning the Marine, Protective toMarkets. the Marine, Oil and Coating Gas and Services Industrial Oil and Gas and Industrial Markets. “BUILDERS OF TRAWLERS, COMMERCIAL CRAFT AND AQUACULTURE VESSELS.” SPECIALIST FACILITIES | PROTECTIVE COATINGS | REGISTERED TECHNICIANS Ship Repair / Refit Works, Blast Cleaning and Protective Coating Services to the Marine, T: +44 (0)1346 514056 OilE-mail: Gas and Industrial Markets. [email protected] www.pbpservices.co.uk T: and +44 (0)1346 514056 E-mail: [email protected] www.pbpservices.co.uk “Aine Christina” – 20 metre white fish trawler. “Gardian 18”–19 metre aluminium wind farm service vessel. “Sally Ann” – 23 metre salmon farm service vessel. Arklow Marine Services, North Quay, Arklow, Co.Wicklow, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)402 32126Fax: +353 (0)402 39839 email: [email protected] JUNE 2016 THE SKIPPER News 7 BIM Announce ‘Landmark’ National Seafood Conference author, Olivia O’Leary; delegates can expect to take away valuable business insights from speakers including Mary Shelman, former Director of the Agribusiness Programme in Harvard Business School, Malcolm Beveridge, Head of Aquaculture, FAO Rome, Jean Jacques VandeHeede, AC Nielsen Europe and Aidan O’Driscoll, Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Seafood Development Agency, has announced an exceptional line up of speakers for the ‘BIM National Seafood Conference – Global Insights, Irish Opportunity’ event at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway on the 30th June. Tara McCarthy, Chief Executive of BIM said; ‘As the global demand for healthy protein continues to increase; seafood is in a unique position. It delivers on every macro driver from health, environment, and quality to convenience. This conference is about creating the long term vision for our seafood industry. This full day conference and networking event will launch the annual Ocean Wealth and SeaFest events that take place in Galway from the 1st – 3rd July and brings together leading experts and global representatives from the national and international seafood and agribusiness circuit, government and academia. It offers delegates the opportunity to hear firsthand expert analysis, on the thinking and the policies currently at the forefront of seafood development worldwide. It is an opportunity for all our stakeholders from fishermen to processors to play an integral role in shaping the future direction of the industry and that of their own company’ Moderated by experienced broadcaster and The afternoon programme offers a range of The Conference programme covers presentations and discussions on market intelligence, consumer thinking, the challenges facing the global seafood supply and insight into potential synergies within the Irish seafood sector, among other timely topics. BIM’S NATIONAL SEAFOOD CONFERENCE 2016 “GLOBAL INSIGHTS-IRISH OPPORTUNITY”, THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2016, THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, GALWAY This conference will be Ireland’s premier seafood conference for 2016 and it is an essential business meeting and networking date for anyone active in Ireland’s seafood sector. Global Insights-Irish Opportunity brings together leading experts from the national and international seafood world, government and academia. It offers delegates the opportunity to hear first-hand expert analysis on the thinking and the policies at the forefront of seafood development worldwide. The conference covers presentations and discussion of market intelligence, consumer thinking, the challenges facing the global seafood supply and insight into potential synergies within the Irish seafood sector, among other timely topics. structured breakout sessions that will facilitate dialogue on transforming knowledge into action and finding workable solutions to today’s pressing challenges. The sessions will focus on the four key priorities for the industry: Sustainability, Competitiveness, Innovation and Skills. Each sector of the industry from fishermen to processors to fish farmers will find a session that appeals and is relevant to their business from ‘Fishing profitably with zero discards’, ‘Repositioning your company and products to maximise value’, ‘Demonstrate sustainability or be locked-out’ and ‘Working in seafood - a career for life’ After a busy and productive event, networking will continue in the evening at the prestigious Maritime Industry Awards in the hotel. The awards aim to recognise excellence across the Maritime Industry and BIM are proud to support two new categories this year – the ‘Seafood Sustainability Award’ and ‘Seafood Business Innovation Award’. To enter and/or attend the Maritime Industry Awards, please visit www.marineawards.ie – the deadline for entries is the 6th May. Registration for the BIM National Seafood Conference is free but early booking is advised as spaces are limited. To book your place, please visit www.bim.ie. n at i o n al Seafood Conference 2016 Afternoon breakout sessions feature Fishing profitably with zero discards Repositioning your company and products to maximise value Demonstrate sustainability or be locked-out Working in seafood – a career for life • • • • Entry to the conference is free and a light lunch will be provided, but pre-registration is essential as entry is strictly limited. The conference booking system is now open @ www.bim.ie Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Agriculture, Food and the Marine Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara 8 News THE SKIPPER JUNE 2016 BIM Delivers Pilot Net Maintenance Training Course in Clogherhead BIM Netmending course. Based on the concept of “bringing the school to the student and not the student to the school”, a new training initiative has been recently trialled by BIM. A pilot one day course in basic net maintenance and rope work was recently delivered in Clogherhead by Myles Mulligan of BIM’s Fisheries Development Section. Although BIM is presently offering a series of courses covering basic skills for deckhands in the BIM National Fisheries Colleges in Greencastle and Castletownbere; the objective of this mobile training course is to bring these basic skills directly to the fishermen around the coast thereby removing any associated travel costs and time implications. The course is aimed at new entrants to the industry who have little or no basic knowledge or skills in net mending or rope work as well as those who never had the opportunity for formal training. The novel course is designed for a limited amount of participants to ensure proficient knowledge transfer, direct input on the day from the Skippers/Owners and is given during periods of downtime when fishing is not possible due to bad weather or strong tides or both. day and along with the kind assistance and participation of some of the local skippers, the Old Auction Hall was transformed into a genuine learning environment. Although the emphasis of the course was on the basics of net repair, the safe handling of straight and serrated edge knives, typical knots used in the industry; e.g. bowline, clove hitch and standard eye, short and back splice in rope splicing were also topics covered. Wire splicing was not covered in this pilot as it was felt this was too advanced for the participants. Initial feedback directly from skippers and vessel owners suggests that the objective of bringing the classroom to the port works well and that their crewmembers found the course invaluable, worthwhile and to date wordof-mouth suggests that the new trainees are putting their newly acquired skills to good use on-board. Although the evaluation process will continue over the agreed period of time, it is envisaged that a further pilot will be organised to further test the concept with a view to ascertaining whether this training course can be rolled-out on a wider basis. The willingness, interest and effort shown by the participants made for an interesting For more information on the training available from BIM, please visit www.bim.ie Sheehan’s Fishing Company Ltd. NET MAINTENANCE Nets maintained or re-roped at competitive prices. Call for a quote. DAVIDSONS SHIP PAINTERS Seagate, Peterhead, AB42 1JP T: 01779 474455 M: 07831 512834 E: [email protected] W: www.davidsons-ships-painters.co.uk WHILE STOCKS LAST 16mm PE - €80 - 18mm PE - €90 20mm PE - €110 - 22mm PE - €120 • • • • • • Agents for Mobil, SAR Oils and Fleetguard Filters. Bridles and warps made to order. Full range of cleaning agents, Swarfega 25lt (€60), hand cloths (€22). Full range of chandlery at competitive prices. Waterproof clothing including Guy Cotton, Regatta, Dunlop boots. Ireland’s leading suppliers of ropes to the aquaculture industry, including combination, polysteel, seine rope, and combi-seine. Sheehan’s Fishing Company Ltd, Dinish Island, Castletownbere, Co Cork, Ireland Tel: 027 70340 - Fax: 027 70970 - Mobile: 086 1546363 Email: [email protected] Peader Elaine II Heather Jane II MARINE AND INDUSTRIAL PAINTERS SINCE 1976 SERVICES PROVIDED Hydrojetting Specialists - Grit Blasting - Hot Zinc Spraying - High Pressure Cleaning Foam Injection Insulation - Fish room Refurbishment - Specialist plastic coatings FACILITIES/LOCATIONS Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Macduff - Covered shiplift for vessels upto 40m JUNE 2016 THE SKIPPER News 9 Cork TD Michael Creed has been appointed as Ireland’s new Minister of Agriculture, Food & the Marine. Michael Creed TD , Fine Gael Spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Pic:Maxpix He replaces outgoing Minister Simon Coveney who got moved to the Housing portfolio. Michael Creed was first coopted to Cork County Council in 1987. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1989. He has held several positions on the Fine Gael front-bench including; Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 2007 - 2010, Health 1989 - 1993, Youth & Sport in 1993-1994 and Education; Arts, Culture & the Gaeltacht in 1994. He was the Chairperson of Cork County Council for the period 2005/06. In a statement to The Skipper, the new minister outlined his future plans and goals as follows: I am delighted to have this opportunity to set out my priorities and ambition for the marine sector. Firstly, let me say that it was both an honour and a privilege to be appointed by An Taoiseach to serve as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The agriculture, food and the marine sectors are key economic drivers for Ireland and play an essential role in providing employment and economic development in rural and coastal areas in particular. I very much look forward to serving as Minister and working with all the stakeholders involved. I, and my team, will endeavor to meet with the various fishing organisations and other stakeholders at the earliest possible opportunity. As is set down in the new Programme for Government, I will continue the good work begun by my predecessor, Minister Coveney, in developing the potential of the ‘blue economy’. This will be a priority for the new Government. I will continue to implement Harnessing our Ocean Wealth (HOOW), the blueprint for the marine sector which aims to double the value of the blue economy by 2020 and deliver 29,000 additional jobs across the various maritime sectors. I am also fully committed to implementing of the Common Fisheries Policy, which provides the framework for the long term sustainability of fish stocks around our shores, the continued economic viability of our fishing fleet and fish processing industry while supporting our families and communities that depend on the sea for their livelihood. The introduction of a landing obligation/discarding ban on a phased basis, as set out in the CFP, represents a fundamental shift in fisheries policy and fishing practices. Over time, the landing obligation will lead to an improvement in the state of the stocks of importance to Ireland and will result in increased fishing opportunities for the Irish fishing industry. This was demonstrated at last year’s December Council where an uplift in quota was delivered in respect of those stocks covered by the landing obligation in 2016. The EU co-funded EMFF Seafood Development Operational Programme, which is worth €240million, will be central to achieving our ambition for growth in the seafood sector and delivering on the promise of the new CFP. This fund is more than double the level of investment available under the previous CFP and will be targeted at a range of supports for fishermen to adapt to the challenges of the new CFP, seafood processing and marketing, aquaculture, inshore fisheries, Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGS), data collection, control and enforcement and Integrated Maritime Policy. The Programme will also support the FoodWise 2025 strategy for the seafood sector, in particular its targets of achieving €1 billion in seafood sales and growth of employment of 3,000 by 2020. I am also fully committed to the continued development of the inshore fisheries sector and to ensuring that smaller inshore boats are given new opportunities for commercial fishing. I will continue to fully support the National Inshore Fisheries Forum and regional structures, which represent the sector. I am very aware of the concerns raised in recent times regarding the Penalty Points issue. Subject to legal advice and review, the Penalty Points Statutory Instrument will be amended to reflect the concerns raised with regard to the assignment of points following the completion of the prosecution process, while ensuring that Ireland is fully in compliance with its obligations under EU law. In conclusion, my aim as Minister for the Marine is to ensure a sustainable, profitable and self reliant industry that protects and enhances the social and economic fabric of rural coastal communities dependent on the seafood sector, while balancing these objectives with the need to safeguard fish stocks for future generations. I believe the marine economy is a largely untapped resource which will provide sustainable employment for coastal communities. It is my firm intention as Minister to prioritise the Marine in Government to develop this potential, to ensure that families dependent on fishing can look forward to being part of a vibrant, productive and resilient Irish fishing industry and can expect to continue to achieve a reasonable return for their efforts and investment. I look forward to working with all stakeholders over the coming years to realise these goals. NORTH WEST TRADING CO 69 Portsoy Crescent, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB41 8AL FOR SALE : Used / rebuilt Caterpillar marine propulsion and auxiliary engines, fully rebuilt by factory trained engineers and sold with warranty. We have been supplying Cat engines throughout the UK for over 15 years to the fishing industries with very satisfied customers and great referrals avail. In many cases we will take your old engine in as part exchange to help keep your costs at a minimum etc. Contact us for a very competitive quotation - open 7 days a week. 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