Seafood programme to 2027 seeks public input
A public consultation that runs to February 7 next will inform on a new sustainable development programme for the seafood sector 2021-2027.
The current operational programme, which is funded under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund and ends in early 2021, has channelled €240m into investment of the sector.
“It will leave a legacy of enhanced sustainability, profitability, competitiveness and enhanced value,” remarked the marine minister, Michael Creed.
Adapting the seafood sector to the changed landscape that Brexit will bring “will be a vital consideration,” he added.
Climate change will be a “top priority for government” and the programme will contribute to Ireland’s response, Minister Creed added.
Other initiatives singled include marine biodiversity, Clean Oceans and measures to protect and sustain fish stocks.
“We must continue to enhance competitiveness, value and productivity, or our sector through innovation, training and targeted capital investment.
The public consultation invites stakeholders to share their views on how to address these and other initiatives over the six-year period.
How should we intervene “and how should we prioritise and get the right balance in distributing the available funds,” asks Minister Creed.
Lesson learnt from EMFF 2014-2020
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine suggest the following questions may assist stakeholders to frame their observations:
Successes
What measures under EMFF 2014-20 worked particularly well and should be continued under SDP 2021-27?
Room to Improve
What measures need change to enhance their effectiveness? How?
Discontinue
What measures should be discontinued? Why?
Partnership
Was the partnership with stakeholders (through the Monitoring Committee) effective under EMFF 2014-20? In what practical ways can it be improved for SDP 2021-27?
Scheme Delivery
Was the delivery and administration of schemes under EMFF 2014-20 effective and efficient? How can it be improved under SDP 2021-27?
Other Lessons
What other lessons should be taken from EMFF 2014-20 that would increase the effectiveness of EMFAF 2021-27?
