Fishing gear diversification

Axis 4 financial support helped a fisherman on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa to diversify his activities outside of the fishing season into the production of fishing gear and multi-purpose nets. As well as creating a part-time job for this fisherman, it has also created four full-time jobs for local women.

Given the increasing difficulty of making a living from fishing alone, Imre Kivi, a fisherman on the small island of Hiiumaa, decided to diversify his activities and establish an innovative new business focusing on the production of fishing gear. 

During a period of ill health some years ago, Imre spent time working for a fishing gear company, where he got the opportunity to pursue his lifelong interest in designing and producing fishing gear.

Although he later returned to his main activity of artisanal fishing, he always dreamt of continuing this other activity.

With the help of Axis 4 he was able to realise this dream and start his own fishing gear business, thus creating much needed local employment from which female workers with experience in the production of professional and leisure fishing gear can in particular benefit. 

Axis 4 co-founded the renovation and equipping of an old shed to create a modern facility, powered with renewable energy. It also covered the acquisition of IT equipment, electronic scales and a delivery vehicle.

Besides a wide range of trap nets, gillnets, trawls, seines, creels, aquaculture equipment and signage flags, the company also produces other net products such as playground climbing nets, football net gates and tow ropes. All products are custom-made and meet the highest technical standards required for fishing gear.