Fisheries Research Centre: Report for 1993

Abstract

Work carried out at the Fisheries Research Centre in 1993 reflects the impact of the first full year of support funding from the EC STRIDE initiative. As highlighted in the 1992 Report, the extra £2.02 million allocated to FRC (75% provided by the EC) enabled us to initiate or expand, in support of Irish marine-based industries, a broad range of scientific activities in the fields of marine fish stocks, aquaculture and the environment. The 1993 programme enabled by this extra research funding, as described in the following pages, is already yielding benefits on a national scale. More working contact with industry, increased data acquisition and big improvements in our analytical and reporting capabilities have enabled the FRC to provide a better service to management which has greatly strengthened Ireland's hand in negotiating for quotas and other benefits. The improved facilities have also led to an increase in our success rate in applying for European research funds. The success of STRIDE has demonstrated the value of a realistic scale of financial investment in a national programme of scientific R&D (research and development). Financial commitment must be maintained at the same level, or increased, if the benefits – already emerging –for our marine-based industries are to achieve their full impact in the years ahead.