MSC pre-assessment made available

Participants confirmed

Updated workplan 2020-2025

Workplan made public

The FIP participated in a recent UWTV survey; the survey involvement enhanced industry-science links, improved understanding of stock assessment gaps, and emphasized the need for ongoing industry data provision as outlined in the FIP workplan.

Following a recent Nephrops meeting, the FIP has committed to developing and circulating communications on improved observer coverage and industry sampling-at-sea.

FIP coordinators met with a scientist employed by the fishing industry with expertise in habitat surveys and VMEs to examine how habitat data is collected.

The FIP held a meeting with the Marine Institute to discuss data collection, data gaps and vessels involved in the sampling-at-sea program. 

The FIP in collaboration with the Marine Institute participated in a portion of the (underwater television survey) UWTV survey on Nephrops. 

BIM conducted a study on a small Nephrops trawler, focusing on trawl configuration and image acquisition in the codend, yielding positive results that could enhance video imaging in the wheelhouse.

DAFM announced that a limited fishery for the purpose of collecting scientific data would be permitted; a draft outline of the management arrangements has been made available. 

The first meeting of a Strategic Steering Committee for all Irish FIPs was held in June 2023 and chaired by the Irish Fisheries Board, BIM; BIM shared preliminary results from an assessment conducted on the energy efficiency of a four panel Nephrops trawl and an associated bycatch reduction assessment. 

FIP science and management workshop conducted; topics discussed included sampling data sources, review of assessments/ ICES advice and the temporary closure in FU 16. 

After a series of meetings held between FIP partners, the group agreed on an approach for 2023 to improve data provision levels

The FIP has conducted consultations with fishers and catching sector representatives; the consultations have demonstrated that there is support for proactive technical measures to protect specific prawn stocks

The FIP working along with BIM technologists conducted selective gear trials in order to reduce unwanted catch; the trial results showed that there was a reduction in bycatch of ETP species. Trials are currently ongoing. 

FIP strategy meeting held to discuss plans and next steps for 2023

A series of port workshops have been held aimed at discussing industry data collection

Information sheet developed for the data collection initiative has been circulated to main fishermen co-ops, sales agents and representative organisations in order to boost participation.

Meeting held between the Irish Prawn FIP and Marine Institute scientists; stock status was discussed 

FIP attended a Nephrops meeting in December 2021 where progressive management strategies were discussed and a working group was formed to focus on Principle 1 & 2 actions. 

FIP held virtual meeting to discuss furthering FIP actions

BIM Conservation Team Manager attended our recent FIP meeting and made a presentation on ongoing work regarding technical conservation measures in the Nephrops fisheries

FIP has established a good working relationship with the Marine Institute's Fisheries Liaison Team Leader and has held a number of meetings with him over the past year

The FIP has developed and implemented an at-sea self-sampling protocol; FIP vessels licensed by the authority collect data to be used as a basis for future restrictions on the fishery.

FIP has developed and is currently implementing a data collection program, contributing data to the Marine Institute's analysis