AN annual production of 12,000 tonnes of mussels and 1,000 tonnes of oysters could be achieved at Castlemaine Harbour in Co Kerry, a report for Bord Iascaigh Mhara suggests. But that would depend on investment in the development of the harbour, according to a report commissioned by BIM.
Over the past few years, the board has been assisting local fishermen to transplant seed mussels and cultivate oyster beds in the harbour. Such local projects are helping to keep people at home and preventing the flight to the towns.
The report, by Dr Noel Mulligan, says that with a minimum production of 5,000 tonnes of mussels, downstream domestic and export sales could be supported, added value could be developed locally and, if growing areas were increased with better stock management, a higher sustainable level of production would follow.
The report recommends that the existing level of oyster culture - should be secured and that development of other shellfish options should be investigated.
A production of 500 tonnes of oysters would easily be achieved, it adds.
But at 1,000 tonnes, which would require about 100 acres, a special study would have to be undertaken to establish the interaction and impact of oysters on mussels and vice versa.
The report also makes specific recommendations about the Castlemaine Harbour Co op, the management of the fishing grounds, seed supply, crab predation, oyster/shellfish culture development, pier development, research, premises and other factors relevant to the development of the harbour.
It concludes that the way forward would require funding largely out of fishermen's own resources, with State support for infrastructural development. The co op should play a central role in any future projects, it says.
And there is good news for Fe nit too. The Tralee and Fenit Harbour Commissioners have announced that the contract for the construction of a new quay at Fenit Harbour has been awarded to Ascon Ltd.
The Tanaiste, Mr Spring, was the guest of honour in the village recently when the announcement was made. It did not generate much publicity, but locally is great enthusiasm and hope for the future.
Ascon is already on site building a breakwater to enclose the harbour. This is due for completion by the end of August, and the new quay is expected to be completed by the end of September.
The tender to instal marina pontoons and other equipment has been won by UK Marina Supplies, and the commissioners say that it will be open for business by July of this year.
The cost of the complete development of the harbour will be close to £4 million. When finished, the project will achieve three aims.
Dredging already carried out has solved a serious siltation problem and the harbour can now safely take ships of up to 10,000 tonnes at all times. The breakwater and new quay will shelter the fishery berths in all weather conditions.
Thirdly, the marina will provide extra revenue for the harbour, bringing a new type of tourist to Fenit and its hinterland.
Projections suggest that the annual spending could be as high as £300,000.