Ireland

Ireland is surrounded by some of the most productive waters in the EU. The seven Irish FLAGs aim to promote marine and eco-tourism by taking advantage of the local biodiversity and protected habitats. Additionally, they look to leverage synergies with national/local tourism initiatives and boost the business potential of the small-scale coastal fishing vessels.

An Irish FLAG has supported a local, family aquaculture business that farms Gigas oysters to improve processing methods, reduce energy consumption and cut waste.

A local company set up by Achill community two decades ago, has created an aquarium in a disused building they own, engaging volunteers, retired fishers and fisheries-related workers. The Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitors Centre became the first cultural space in Ireland based on local fisheries heritage and remains one of the biggest attractions of the county.

Cuan Beo was set up by community members living and working near Galway bay, who were cognisant of a general decline in the quality of the famous shellfish producing waters in the Bay.

The sixteenth edition of the FARNET magazine explores sustainability, blue growth and the circular economy from a CLLD perspective. What have we learnt in the ten years since a CLLD approach was first introduced in fisheries areas under the EMFF? How can we position fisheries CLLD for the future? Is the circular economy key? These are just some of the questions addressed in this thought-provoking edition.

A local fisherman takes the initiative to explore how solar lighting might improve safety and make working hours more flexible at the remote pier where he lands his fish.

Zivsaimniecību kooperatīvs apgūst jaunas tehnoloģijas, lai nodrošinātu vietējo austeru krājumu ilgtspēju. Pieņemot austeru mazuļu vākšanas ierīces (“coupelles”), ko izmanto Francijā, Tralī Austeru zivsaimniecību biedrība piedāvā gaišāku nākotni saviem austeru zvejniekiem un to pārstāvētajai vietējai tradīcijai.

Irish FLAGs have supported the development of six Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFs) and a National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF) to ensure representation of the small-scale segment of the fleet in regional and national decision making.

West FLAG supports business development among some of the most marginalised and remote communities in the country, including offshore islands and native Irish speaking communities where a seaweed company has grown from one to four employees.

The FLAG West area comprises the coastal zones of counties Galway and Clare and has a considerable seafood industry, with over 450 registered boats, and over 350 fishermen. Targeted species include lobster, crab, crayfish, shrimp, scallops and oysters.