The north west pelagic industry initiative, which I launched in Killybegs on 12 May, is an industry forum under the chairmanship of Mr. Padraic White for the pelagic catching and processing industries in the north west. I have mandated the group to develop short and medium term industry led strategies to maximise returns for fishermen and processors from the pelagic resources available to the industry. This initiative is a vital opportunity for the pelagic sector to agree itself on strategies for co-operation and partnership between catches and processors which will enhance the economic returns for all concerned. I have asked the group to focus in particular on the development of co-ordinated or joint approaches to improved quality control, fisheries management, sales and marketing.
The Government's £20 million Killybegs harbour development programme will critically back up new strategies to deliver an integrated pelagic catching and processing centre at Killybegs. In the context of increasing international competition and working with available pelagic resources the challenge for this industry group is to focus on value rather than volume and to deliver a shared strategy for co-operation and development of the north west pelagic industry. The group is scheduled to conclude its work in October.