The voluntary scheme will remove older and larger fishing vessels with mixed catches of fish such as cod, haddock, monkfish, mackerel and herring.

According to the Irish Government, the removal of these vessels will increase the quotas available to the more modern competitive fishing vessels and will ensure a more sustainable and profitable fleet.

The scheme delivers on a key recommendation of the 'Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Seafood Industry 2007 to 2013 - Steering A New Course', also known as the Cawley Report.

Commenting, Minister Coughlan said: "The aim of this scheme is to bring about a viable future for the fishing sector and support the economies of those coastal communities dependent on fishing. The government has invested a EUR21 million budget for the scheme in 2008 with a further EUR21 million committed in 2009. I will pursue further funding, in line with the recommendations of the Cawley report, as required, taking account of the take up under the scheme.

"This programme represents a very substantial commitment to bringing the Irish fishing fleet into balance with available resources and ensuring that those remaining in the industry can be assured of a profitable future. The recently published Finance Bill contains a number of measures specifically designed to reduce the tax burden on fishermen taking up this scheme."

The scheme is open to vessel owners in respect of fishing vessels 10 years or more in age and 18 metres or more in overall length. Vessels must be operational at the time of decommissioning and have a recent track record of fishing. The level of payments under the scheme are determined based on criteria including the age of the vessel and its catch history but will not exceed in any case EUR7,500 per gross tonne.

Minister Coughlan added: "The Seafood Strategy sets down the road map for the development of the sector. We must focus on sustainability of fish stocks and maximising the return from the fish catch. Already good progress has been made, in line with the Cawley strategy, on delivering a more innovative and co-ordinated approach to the marketing and processing of seafood in order to maximise the value at every stage from the sea to the table. We are determined to press ahead to deliver on the full range of recommendations, of which decommissioning is an important step, and in so doing to secure the future for our coastal communities dependent on fishing."

Minister Browne said: "The scheme we are launching today is voluntary and is aimed at giving those who wish to retire or take up other employment opportunities a financially attractive package that reflects the level of investment and commitment they have already given to this industry. Vessel owners who opt to remain in the industry can be confident that they face a more secure future and will have access to increased fish quotas to secure their financial viability."

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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