SOCIO- ECONOMIC PROFILE OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN IRELAND: BANTRY BAY, Co. CORK AND THE DINGLE PENINSULA (VALENTIA ISLAND TO KERRY HEAD), Co. KERRY.

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1 SOCIO- ECONOMIC PROFILE OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN IRELAND: BANTRY BAY, Co. CORK AND THE DINGLE PENINSULA (VALENTIA ISLAND TO KERRY HEAD), Co. KERRY. Work Package: Socio-Data Trish Clayton Coastal & Marine Resources Centre, Environment Research Institute, University College Cork November 2002

2 1. Introduction The aim of the Sociodata work package was to design and construct a questionnaire that would collect information on the socio-economic characteristics of the people employed in the fishing and aquaculture industries and other sectors of employment, in the chosen study sites of each of the five European partner countries. The questionnaires aim to collect new information on issues such as the attitudes of employees in the fishing and aquaculture industries, factors affecting labour mobility between aquaculture and fishing, workers perceptions of their jobs in these industries, and the labour markets in the aquaculture and fishing industries. The collection and analysis of the new data provided by the Sociodata work package will assist in the project s aim to answer three high-level questions stated in the technical annex, namely: How does employment in rural communities change with the arrival of aquaculture? What are the predictions for socio-economic, environmental and biological sustainability resulting from the interactions between aquaculture and fisheries? What recommendations can be made for coastal resource management in areas where aquaculture and fisheries co-exist? This will be accomplished by the analysis of the labour market conditions in the selected areas, and the analysis of the impact of fishing and aquaculture on the local economies of the chosen study sites. This report will outline the study sites chosen and discuss the sampling frame used for the survey. The structure of the questionnaire and the interviewing process will also be discussed, along with any problems encountered. The storage of the data is outlined and descriptions of the collected material will be included.

3 2. Study sites Two study sites were chosen in Ireland (Figure.1); Bantry Bay in Co. Cork and the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry, extending from Kerry Head in the north to Valentia Island in the south. South West Kerry (Dingle) Bantry Bay Figure.1 Irish Study sites (Source: CRC) The Bantry Bay and Dingle Peninsula share certain geographical and demographic features. The coastline in the southwest of Ireland is rocky, highly indented and characterised by relatively long bays running along a northeast to southwest axis. Each study site includes one of these bays, Dingle Bay and Bantry Bay. The population is sparse in both sites: between 21 and 32 people per square kilometre, compared with an average of 38 people per square kilometre for Counties Cork and Kerry as a whole (Central Statistics Office, 1996). The Bantry Bay site can be defined as the waters and coastal lands east of a line from Dursey Island (northern shore) to Sheep s Head (southern shore) and extending 20km seawards from these two points (Figure.2). The Dingle site includes Dingle Bay with the stretch of more open coastline up to 20 km north of the Dingle peninsula (Figure.3).

4 Figure.2 Bantry Bay site Figure.3 Kerry site There is a long tradition of fishing throughout the region. Castletownbere, the largest port in the Bantry site, is nationally important as a whitefish port and is a designated Fisheries Harbour Centre, controlled by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. There is also a large fleet based in the Dingle site. Many of the vessels in both sites fish offshore,

5 however there are still many inshore boats fishing in both sites. There is a fisheries training centre in the region, also based in Castletownbere. A survey carried by BIM in 1999 of the Irish Inshore fishing fleet, found that 90% of vessels were constructed before 1980, and only 4% of the boats had been built since The number of inshore vessels in Co. Cork was 393, 21% of the national total, while Co. Kerry had 250 inshore vessels, 14% of the national total (BIM, 1999). The fishing fleet utilises a variety of fishing gear, reflecting the range of target species. Species such as herring, hake, whitefish are important, as well as lobster, crab and salmon. The area is important for herring and whitefish. The majority of vessels operate both inside and outside inshore waters. Aquaculture activity is also present in both sites, with large-scale intensive operations in Bantry Bay and small-scale extensive methods in the Dingle site. Shellfish farming is predominant in both sites. Bantry Bay hosts Ireland s greatest concentration of the ropemussel culture (Marine Institute, 1999), several caged salmon farms, and other aquaculture operations in addition to a significant fishing fleet.

6 3. Sampling frame For details on quota sampling, quota controls, the choice between independent and interrelated controls and stratified weighted sampling, please see Scottish report. In Ireland, two study sites are being examined. Each site contains 14 DED s (District Electoral Division). A DED is the smallest statistical unit from which information can be derived from the five-yearly Census of Population can be obtained. The five-yearly census was due in 2001, however this could not be carried out due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease. The census was instead carried out in 2002, however results are not available at present. The population in the Bantry Bay site was 9,471 and 12,551 in the Dingle peninsula site (CSO, 1996). Table.1 below gives the breakdown of the population aged 15 and over in Table.1 Population proportions by age group and gender aged 15 and over (CSO, 1996). Age group Females (% of total Males (% of total population) population) Dingle peninsula Total population 12,551 Aged 15+ 9, % 14.2% % 12.8% % 14.6% 65 and over 11.2% 9.2% Total 49.2% 50.8% Bantry Bay Total population 9,471 Aged 15+ 7, % 13.1% % 13.2% % 14.7% 65 and over 12.2% 9.0% Total 50% 50% The estimates for the fishing and aquaculture industries in BIM reports and from the census data suggests that fishermen represent ~0.22% of the population and those involved in the aquaculture industry represent ~0.08%. Thus for every fish farmer in the region there are 2.75 fishermen and 1250 other members of the public. However, the employment levels are

7 only accurate to county level, not DED. It was decided to aim for proportions of 1:1:3 (fisherman: fish farmer: other job) when carrying out the questionnaires. Table.2 shows the breakdown of the target survey data by gender and age group. The number of females surveyed in the fishing and fish farming industries does not reflect their proportions in the overall population, so a gender breakdown was provided for the others category only. Table.2 Target survey numbers by gender and age group. Age group Fishermen Fish farmers Others Others Female Male Dingle peninsula Bantry Bay

8 4. Structure of the Questionnaires The questionnaires for the Sociodata work package were constructed with a view to collecting general and specific information on and about a sample of individuals who are employed in aquaculture, fishing and other employment sectors. Consequently three separate questionnaires were designed; one for fishermen, one for those involved in the aquaculture industry and thirdly, a questionnaire for individuals employed in other jobs in the local area. The content of the questionnaires were discussed and agreed upon by the partners involved in the Sociodata workpackage at the Turku and Aberdeen co-ordination meetings, and the University of Aberdeen constructed final versions of all three questionnaires. 4.1 The fishermen s questionnaire The first section of the fishing questionnaire consists of general questions, aimed at identifying the respondent s individual characteristics. Questions concerning age, gender, marital status, employment status, education and training, occupation and job history are all included. The respondent is also asked whether he/she has ever worked on a fish/shellfish farm, which helps to identify labour mobility between the fishing and aquaculture industries. Section 2 is comprised of questions that are to be asked only to those individuals who own or skipper the boat. These questions identify the nature of the business (e.g. family enterprise, partnership, limited company, etc.), and ask the respondent to give a breakdown of the annual costs of the vessel (e.g. quotas, running costs, gear costs and refit, etc). There are also two institutional questions asked; has the respondent received any grants from any level of government in the last year, and would the respondent apply for decommissioning. These questions are aimed at providing information on institutional sustainability and the economic effects of subsidies. The third section of the fishing questionnaire focuses on the fishing operation. Questions on average trip length, number of hours worked, fishing method, net type, and annual catch are included. This section also includes questions that will help us gather information on fishermen s perceptions of their job. Fishermen are asked why they became fishermen and

9 why they stay in the fishing industry, whether it is difficult to get a job in fishing with no experience, and what they would do if they left the fishing industry. They are also asked if they would be prepared to leave fishing, move to another area to continue fishing, or work on a fish farm. These questions provide important information on fishermen s decisions to stay in the fishing industry, exit to alternative employment, to aquaculture or to unemployment, and also on the factors affecting labour mobility between the fishing and aquaculture industries. The fishermen are also asked to rate their job in terms of various job characteristics (e.g. earnings, working conditions, job security), which will show fishermen s attitudes towards their occupation. The injury/illness section collects information on the level of risk associated with working in the fishing industry. Fishermen are asked questions about the nature, length and frequency of injuries/illnesses they have sustained from fishing that caused them to take time off from work, and whether these injuries/illnesses have affected there work since then. The local community section is aimed at gathering information on fishermen s attitudes towards their occupation, other stakeholders and management issues, as well as the views of the local population on the support of government to the fishing industry. The fishermen are asked whether they think other stakeholders such as local people, the tourist industry, and the government value and are in support of the fishing industry. The final section of the questionnaire is the income section. Respondents are asked to identify their total household income before tax, and how many people contribute to this. This household income is then broken down into percentages from each contributor, percentage from fishing, and finally other sources of income are identified. From this information it is then possible to generate the respondent s personal earnings from fishing. This information can then be used to investigate income distribution and related issues. A section containing optional questions was added at the end of the questionnaire. This elaborated on the fisherman s attitude to fishing and the local community. 4.2 The fish farmers questionnaire

10 The fish farming questionnaire largely replicates the fishermen s questionnaire in order to ensure comparability. Section 1 again collects information on individual characteristics. Aquaculture workers are asked if they have ever worked as a fisherman, why they stopped, and the income effects of leaving the fishing industry. Section 2 is concerned with the farm operation, and these questions are aimed at collecting data on the farms production and costs. The amount of stock purchased and sold in the last year, the amount of feed used annually, the nature of the business, and a breakdown of the farms costs are all included. Similar to the fishing questionnaire, the third section of the fish farming questionnaire focuses on job characteristics and workers perceptions of their job. The number of days worked per month and the number of hours worked per day are identified for each respondent. Reasons for working in aquaculture are asked, and what they would do if they left the industry. The respondents are also asked what would be the main problems finding work outside fish farming. In addition, the aquaculture workers are asked to estimate their reservation wage by stating how much (in percentage terms) their income from fish farming would have to fall before they left fish farming and looked for another job. The injury/illness section replicates the corresponding section in the fishing questionnaire, as does the local community and income sections. The optional section was also added at the end of this questionnaire to elaborate on attitude towards fish farming and the local community. 4.3 The other job questionnaire The other job questionnaire is shorter in length than the fishing and aquaculture questionnaires, with most of its sections replicating those in the other two. Its purpose is to reveal issues concerning labour mobility in the areas under investigation. As before, the first section asks the respondents about their individual characteristics. The respondent is then asked whether he/she has ever worked in fishing or on a fish/shellfish farm. Reasons why they stopped, problems finding work outside fishing/fish farming, and the effect of leaving on their income are also asked. The individuals are also asked whether they would be

11 prepared to work either as a fisherman or on a fish farm if the alternative was open to them. Thus, these questions help us gather information on past and future labour mobility between the sectors of the local economy. Sections 2 and 3 are the income and injury/illness sections, which replicate the questions asked in the fishing and aquaculture questionnaires. The final section is the local community questions. Respondents are asked whether they think local people, the tourist industry, and local/central government and the EU value and are in support of both the fishing and fish farming industries in order to reveal the attitudes of the local population towards the fishing and aquaculture industries. Again an optional section was added to the end of the other job questionnaire. This asked further questions regarding attitudes towards fishing and the aquaculture industries.

12 5. The interviewing process Prior to the survey beginning, the interviewers from the CRC gathered information about the two study sites: the fishing industry, the aquaculture industry and other employment in the area. This background knowledge was essential to the interviewers, to enable them to carry out the questionnaires successfully. A letter was composed, giving the aims of the project, outlining the general information about the survey and asking them for their assistance with the survey. This letter was sent to groups involved in the aquaculture and fishing industries. A number of groups expressed interest in participating in the questionnaire. These letters were sent out in January Five interviewers took part in the questionnaire survey for the CRC (Cathy Buchanan, Trish Clayton, David O Leary, Cathal O Mahony and Harry Sealy). In March 2002, an article was released in association with the Press Office in University College Cork. This was distributed to all national and local papers, as well as local radio stations, and international fishing journals. The article was published in two national newspapers. The local papers in both study sites also published the article. Two local radio stations (one in each site) also carried out interviews with the CRC Aqcess staff. This generated a large response from the fishing industry and locals interested in taking part in the survey. Nobody from the aquaculture industry responded directly to the articles, however, the Irish Shellfish Association responded, expressing interest in their members taking part. A copy of the press release is included in Appendix The survey for fishermen Initially fishermen s associations were identified and contacted. A number of these expressed their support and passed on the information to their members. The South Western Regional Fisheries Board was also contacted and gave the names of fishermen which held salmon licences for the 2002 salmon season. Interviewers were aware that fishermen in the area had participated in a number of surveys and scientific studies in recent years, and were possibly suffering from survey fatigue. In addition, interviewers were worried fishermen would be reluctant to answer questions relating to income and the incidence of double jobbing.

13 Interviewing began in February 2002 and was completed in July In this time a number of trips were made to the study sites, as well as conducting interviews over the phone as many fishermen, who wanted to take part, were out at sea when these visits were made. Those who took part were very helpful, although as expected a number of fishermen did not answer the questions relating to income and double jobbing. Some were less willing to answer the open ended questions, or would not elaborate on their answers. The average length of interview varied from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The final number of questionnaires was smaller than envisioned at the beginning of the survey. The number of questionnaires was scaled down, as the majority of fishermen in the study sites were offshore fishermen, rather than inshore fishermen. A total of 50 interviews was completed, 25 in each site. 5.2 The fish farming questionnaire Similar to the survey of fishermen, the first step of the fish farming survey was the sending of letters to those aquaculture sites within the study area at the beginning of February The names and addresses of sites were obtained from the La Tene Maps Aquaculture Directory. The letters outlined the aims of the project and asked for the farms assistance with the survey. Interviewing began in February 2002 and ended in July Over this period a number of trips were made to the study sites, as well as conducting interviews over the phone. When contacting some aquaculture farms by phone, many expressed a wish to conduct the interview at that time, rather than in person. The total number of questionnaires completed was 50, 25 in each site. This was smaller than originally planned, however not all those contacted were willing to take part. The general response was friendly, and all very interested in being informed of the outcome of the project. Again some were not willing to answer questions regarding income. Details about farm size, stock, revenue and costs also caused difficulty. Many were reluctant to provide this information and consequently this information is absent in some cases. The length of the

14 questionnaire was similar to the fishing questionnaire, varying between 20 minutes and 2 hours. 5.3 The other job questionnaire Interviewing began in February 2002 and was completed in July These were conducted in person during site visits to interview fishermen and those involved in the aquaculture industry. A number of local people had expressed interest in contributing to the survey following the press and radio interviews. These were contacted in April The initial number of interviews planned was scaled down from the original number planned. The final number of questionnaires was 150, 75 in each study area. Many individuals were unwilling to take in the questionnaire as they felt they didn t know anything about either the fishing industry or the aquaculture industry to participate.

15 6. Input of the survey data. The software package used to store the data collected from the survey was Microsoft Access, a database program. The design of the database began in December 2001 and was finished in June The completion of the database was time-consuming, and delays occurred relating to the difficulty in ensuring that database design appropriately coded all the questions from the questionnaires. Entry of the questionnaires to the database, once the database was finalised, was straightforward. Problems were not encountered with the data entry.

16 7. Descriptions of the collected data This section of the report provides an overview of some of the results obtained from the three questionnaires. For each of the questionnaires the results will be discussed in the context of the main issues addressed by the Sociodata work package, and in conjunction with the main issues relating to the Synthesis work package. 7.1 The fishing questionnaire Demographic Characteristics All those surveyed in both sites in the fishing industry were male. Approximately 72% of those surveyed in the Bantry site (60% in the Kerry site) were married or living together, 20% were single (32% in the Kerry site) and 8% in both sites were divorced or widowed. The mean age of fishermen is 48 years in the Bantry site and 51 years in the Kerry site, the most common age range is in both sites. Most fishermen are classified as self-employed (100% in the Bantry site, 88% in the Kerry site, with the remaining 12% classified as part-time). With respect to education, in the Bantry Bay site 36% of fishermen interviewed had no secondary education, 44% had secondary school qualifications, 8% had completed degrees, while 12% had professional qualifications. In the Kerry site, 28% of those surveyed had no secondary school qualifications, 32% had secondary school qualifications, 8% had completed degrees and 8% had professional fishing qualifications. Labour mobility between sectors of the economy Labour mobility between sectors of the economy can be split up into past movements between sectors and future willingness to move between sectors. When asked Q.9, Have you ever worked on a fish farm? 20% of fishermen in the Dingle peninsula site and 8% of fishermen in the Bantry Bay site, have worked previously on a fish farm. Of those individuals who have worked on a fish farm, those from the Dingle peninsula experienced a fall in income, while those in Bantry Bay experienced a rise in income.

17 In response to Q. 42, Would you consider leaving fishing? in the Dingle site 20% said yes, 60% said no and 20% said maybe. In Bantry Bay, 12% said yes, 8% said maybe, while 80% said no. When asked Would you be prepared to move to another area to continue fishing? 8% said yes and 92% said no in Dingle and Bantry. In response to the question Would you work on a fish farm? 24% said yes, 44% said no and 32% said maybe in Dingle, while 12% said yes, 8% said maybe and 80% said no in Bantry Bay. These results suggest that fishermen want to stay fishing, and do not want to have to move to another area to do so. The results also suggest that fishermen in Bantry Bay would not consider working on fish farms, while those in Dingle would be more willing to consider such a change. Fishermen s decision to stay in fishing, exit to alternative employment The fishermen were asked why they became fishermen and why they stay in the fishing industry. The main reasons, in both study sites, why they became fishermen was family tradition, good income, lack of alternative employment and fishing as a lifestyle or as a way of life. Peer/community pressure and availability of grants/loans were the least important reasons. The main reasons for staying in fishing were, in both sites, family tradition, lack of alternative employment, lifestyle and peer/community pressure. Investment in vessel was also important in Bantry Bay. Fishermen do not leave fishing, therefore, because of lack of other employment opportunities in the area Fishermen were also asked what they might do if they left fishing. The most popular choices were farming, in the tourist industry, and starting their own business. The least popular were offshore work, fish farming, and retail. Attitudes of fishermen towards their occupation Fishermen were asked to rate their job with respect to various job characteristics. The job characteristics which rated the highest were independence/being your own boss, fishing as a way of life and job security. In both sites earnings were viewed as bad (68% in Dingle, and 60% in Bantry Bay). No fishermen in Bantry Bay felt earnings were good. In both sites, time spent away from home was considered ok by most (56% in Dingle, 56% in Bantry Bay).

18 Attitudes toward occupation, Dingle Good Bad OK 50 percent Earnings Working Conditions Time away Way of life Independence Job security Attitudes towards occupation, Bantry Bay Good Bad OK 50 percent Earnings Working Conditions Time away Way of life Independence Job security The attitudes of the fishermen to other stakeholders were also questioned. In both study sites, fishermen felt locals (Dingle 76%, Bantry 84%) and tourists (Dingle 84%, Bantry 76%)were in support of the fishing industry, while Government at all levels was not in support of the fishing industry (Dingle 52%, Bantry Bay 84%). The social and economic effect of subsidies Fishermen were asked whether they have received any government loans or grants or if they would apply for a decommissioning scheme. In Dingle, 20% had received loans or grants,

19 and only 32% would apply for a decommissioning scheme. In Bantry, 32% have received grants/loans, and only 24% would apply for a decommissioning scheme. Income distributions and the incidence of double jobbing. A number of fishermen in both sites were reluctant to answer the questions about income. The mean income band for fishermen is band 5 ( 22,200-25,400). The median income is band 5, while the mode is income band 6 ( 25,400-38,090). Fishermen were also asked whether they have any job/income other than fishing. Again many were reluctant to answer this question. Of those that answered, 8% work in farming in Dingle and Bantry, 12% work in the tourist industry in Dingle, and 16% are self-employed in Dingle and Bantry. In response to the question that asks if their partner works, 20% were the sole earner in Dingle, 24% in Bantry. 40% reported that their spouse works in Dingle, while 16% reported their spouse works in Bantry. However again, many were reluctant to answer the question. Payment schemes for fishermen The questionnaire asks fishermen how they are paid. Many were reluctant to answer this question, or were vague in their replies. In Dingle 68% said they were share fishermen, while the remainder were paid by another method. In Bantry 60% reported they were share fishermen, while 32% reported they were paid by another method, 8% were paid monthly. Using the available information on annual income, combined with information regarding number of hours per fishing trip and numbers of trips per year, hourly earnings were derived. The average is per hour, while the mode is 3.78 and the median is These hourly earnings are high, and do not reflect the true situation. Most fishermen interviewed had second incomes and the annual income given was a total household income. Those being interviewed were reluctant to give this information on an individual income basis but were happier to give details of household income. Some interviewed were salmon fishermen. This season is restricted and fishing would not be their primary income source.

20 Level of physical risk associated with fishing. The injury section of the questionnaire asked whether the fishermen have had either an injury or illness caused by their work. In response, 28% of fishermen reported an injury in Dingle, and 32% in Bantry. The range of days lost to injury varied between The average number of days lost was 6. Most fishermen felt that the question regarding illness caused by fishing was irrelevant. Most reported having colds/flu at some point, but would continue to work through this. The range of days lost due to illness ranged from The average number of days lost was 2.

21 7.2 The fish-farming questionnaire Demographic Characteristics The large majority of those questioned in both sites were male (88% in the Bantry site, 92% in the Kerry site). The majority of those surveyed in the Bantry site (80%) were married or living with a partner (64% in the Kerry site), 12% were single in the Bantry site (24% in the Kerry site) and 8% were widowed/separated in the Kerry site. The mean age of workers in the Bantry site is 38 (age range: 24-63) and 42 in the Kerry site (age range: 21-70). The majority of fish-farmers interviewed are classifies as full-time workers (80% in the Bantry site, 64% in the Kerry site). The remainder are classified as part-time (8% in the Bantry site) or self-employed (8% in the Bantry site, 20% in the Kerry site). More of the fish farmers questioned had completed various stages of education than the fishermen surveyed. All received at least secondary school education (24% in the Bantry site, 48% in the Kerry site). In the Bantry site 40% (24% in the Kerry site) received higher diplomas. A college degree has been obtained by 8% of those surveyed in the Bantry site, and 12% in the Kerry site. A further 8% have other qualifications in the Bantry site, while 12% have other qualifications in the Kerry site. Labour mobility between sectors of the economy With respect to movements between the fishing and aquaculture industry, aquaculture workers were asked had they ever worked as a fisherman. In Dingle 20% had previously worked as fishermen, while 40% in Bantry had been fishermen. The majority saw a rise in the income following leaving fishing. With respect to future mobility, 30% would leave the industry in Dingle, while 40% in Bantry leave the industry. In Dingle, 60% would not move to another are to continue fish farming, 80% would not move to another area in Bantry. When asked if they would be prepared to work as fishermen, 90% in Bantry said no, while 60% in Dingle said no.

22 Fish farmer s decision to stay in aquaculture, exit to alternative employment Aquaculture workers were asked, similar to fishermen, why they became fish farmers and why they chose to stay in the industry. The main reasons individuals began working in the industry were family tradition, good income, lack of alternative employment, and lifestyle. The main reasons why aquaculture workers remain in the industry are lifestyle, lack of alternative employment and good income. When asked what they would do if they left the aquaculture industry, the majority didn t know what they would do (30% in Dingle, 55% in Bantry). In Dingle 20% would start their own business, 5% would join the fishing industry and the remainder stated other employment. In Bantry 30% stated other employment, 10% would join the fishing industry. Attitudes of fish farmers towards their occupation The aquaculture workers were asked to rate their job with respect to various job characteristics. The job characteristics rated most highly were earnings, working conditions, a way of life and independence. Aquaculture workers were also asked if they thought the aquaculture industry was valued/supported by other stakeholders. In Dingle, 60% felt locals supported the industry, 48% felt tourists supported the industry and 70% felt that government supported the industry. In Bantry, 50% thought locals supported the industry, 80% thought that government supported the industry and 60% thought that tourists did not support the aquaculture industry.

23 Attitudes towards occupation, Dingle Good Bad OK 60 percent Earnings Working Conditions Time away Way of life Independence Job security Attitudes towards occupation, Bantry Good Bad OK 40 percent Earnings Working Conditions Time away Way of life Independence Job security Income distribution and the incidence of double jobbing. A large number of those interviewed refused to answer the questions relating to income and double jobbing. In Dingle, a large proportion of those who answered these questions had a second job as a fisherman (40%), 20% had a second job as a farmer. In Bantry, 30% of those who answered had second jobs, 20% had second jobs as fishermen. The mean income band for aquaculture workers is income band 6 ( 25,400-38,090). The median is also band 6, while the mode is band 7 ( 38,090-63,500).

24 Payment schemes for aquaculture workers Of those who answered the questions regarding method of payment, in Dingle, 24% were paid an hourly wage, 36% a monthly wage and 36% by another method. In Bantry, 32% were paid an hourly wage, 32% were paid monthly and 24% were paid by another method. Calculating hourly earnings for aquaculture workers (general workers), the average hourly income was found to be The mode was found to be 8.27 and the median was Level of physical risk associated with fish farming The aquaculture workers were asked whether they have had an injury or illness caused by their work that resulted in their having to take time off work. Many reported illnesses such as colds or flu, but these could not be conclusively determined to have been caused by work. In Dingle, 12% of workers reported injuries caused by work. In Bantry the figure was 15%. This resulted in workers taking between 2-19 days off work. The average length of time off work was 14 days due to injury for both sites and 3 days for illnesses for both sites. The median was also 14 days for injuries and 3 days for illnesses.

25 7.3 The other job questionnaire Demographic Characteristics There was an almost even division in the number of males females surveyed in both sites (55% female in Bantry and 45% female in the Kerry site). Approximately 60% of the locals in Bantry are married or living together (56% in the Kerry site), 32% are single in both sites and 8% are widowed or divorced in the Bantry site (12% in the Kerry site). The mean age of the local population is 40 in both sites, and the most common age range is in both sites. With respect to education, 4% in each site reported they had no formal education, 24% in the Bantry site and 44% in the Kerry site had secondary education, 24% in Bantry and 12% in the Kerry site had completed further diplomas. A further 42% in the Bantry site and 28% in the Kerry site had university degrees. Labour mobility between sectors of the economy The local people were asked whether they have ever worked in either the fishing or aquaculture industries, and whether they would be willing to do so in the future. In Dingle, 30% had worked as fishermen, and 15% as fish farmers. In Bantry, 35% had worked as fishermen, and 15% as fish farmers. In Dingle, 25% of those questioned would be willing to work as a fish farmer, and 25% as fishermen. In Bantry, 30% of those questioned would be willing to work as fish farmer and 28% as fishermen. Aquaculture appears to be the industry most attractive to other members of both localities. Attitudes of local population to fishing and aquaculture industries Similar to the fishermen and aquaculture industries, the local population were asked whether they think the fishing and aquaculture industries are valued and supported by the various local stakeholders. In response to the questions about the fishing industry, 2% in both sites replied maybe, 1% in Bantry replied no and the remainder replied yes regarding local support. With respect to the tourist support for the fishing industry, 15% said don t know in both sites, 5% said no in both sites and 80% said yes in both sites. In Dingle 50% didn t know whether the government supported the fishing industry, 25% said yes and 25% said no. In Bantry, 40% said they were unsure, while 20% said yes and 40% said no.

26 In response to questions regarding support for the aquaculture industry, the results were quite similar for both sites, with the exception of tourism support. In Bantry 60% thought the tourist industry did not support aquaculture, 20% didn t know and 20% said yes. In response to government support, 60% in both sites thought the government supported the aquaculture industry, 20% didn t know and 20% said yes. 70% thought locals supported the industry in Dingle (50% in Bantry), the remainder didn t know. The different responses for the tourist industry are likely to be due to the differences in aquaculture methods between the sites. In Bantry aquaculture is intensive, with hundreds of mussel barrels in the bay, while in the Dingle site, aquaculture is extensive, using natural mussel and oyster beds on the sea floor, which are unobtrusive. Income distribution and the incidence of double jobbing The mean income band for the local population is income band 5. This is similar to the fishing or aquaculture industries. The mode and median income bands are income category 6. There seems to be little incidence of those questioned having a second job or income. Payment schemes for other job workers In contrast to the fishing and aquaculture industries, over half (55%) of those working in other sectors of the economy received an hourly wage, 25% receive a monthly salary and 20% are paid by an alternative payment scheme (all were self employed). Of those paid an hourly rate 35% are paid weekly, 40% are paid every two weeks and 25% are paid every four weeks. Calculating the average hourly income for those employed in jobs other than fishing and aquaculture, the mean hourly income was 14.55, while the mode and median hourly earning were

27 7.4 Open- Ended Questions The final questions for each questionnaire were open-ended questions to allow those being surveyed the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the aquaculture and fishing industries. These questions were asked of those in the fishing industry, the aquaculture industry and the other jobs. The fishing industry open-ended questions The majority of fishermen felt that the locals were in support of the fishing industry (84% in Bantry and 76% in the Dingle site). The main reasons for this were that the industry is traditional; it provides employment and is beneficial to the local economy. Most fishermen felt the tourist industry also valued and supported the fishing industry (76% in Bantry and 84% in Dingle). They believe tourists like to walk along the piers in the evenings watching the boats being unloaded, and they like to be able to purchase fresh fish daily. They also believe the tourists like to see traditional industries in an area being kept alive, and enjoy being able to go out on fishing trips. When asked did the Government support the fishing industry, most fishermen in the Bantry site (84%) felt there wasn t any support for the fishing industry from any level of Government. In the Dingle site 52% felt that Government didn t support the fishing industry, while 28% felt that there was support from Government. Many of those who responded negatively felt that the Government doesn t have any interest in the inshore fishing fleet and that any grant money available is being directed towards the offshore fleet. They also feel that more money is being spent on aquaculture. The fish farming open-ended questions Fish farmers were asked if they felt that locals supported the aquaculture industry. In the Bantry site 53% thought locals supported the industry, while 60% in the Dingle site supported the industry. Many felt there was support from people involved in the industry, that locals supported it because it provided employment, but that they were more in favour of fishing as it is a more traditional activity. Fish farmers were then asked if they felt the tourist industry supported and valued the industry. The results differed here between the sites as a result of the difference in the type

28 of aquaculture in both sites. In Bantry, 60% of fish farmers felt tourist did not support the fishing industry. This was mainly due to the visual impact of the industry; they are concerned about environmental impacts of the industry. However each year Bantry holds a mussel fair, which is extremely popular and large numbers of tourists visit at that time. In the Dingle site, 48% felt tourists supported the industry, as it doesn t have any impact on the tourist industry, there aren t visible structures to interfere with the scenic beauty of the area. When asked whether they felt that Government supported the industry, 80% in the Bantry site and 72% in the Dingle site felt that there was support from Government. This was because grants are readily available to assist in setting up the industries. The other job open-ended questions The local people surveyed were asked similar questions to those in the fishing and aquaculture industry, but were asked their views on both industries. When asked if there was support for the fishing industry, 97% in both sites felt locals supported the industry. They felt it was a good source of employment; it kept the traditions of the area alive, that it is part of the culture of the area, and helps support the local economy. Most people also felt it was a core industry in the area, with many people employed in supporting industries. 80% in both sites also felt the tourist industry supported the fishing industry. They felt, similarly to the fishermen, that tourists like to walk along the piers and purchase fresh fish. Most were unsure or answered no when asked if Government supported the industry. In Bantry, 40% felt that there wasn t support from the Government for the industry. In the Dingle site, 50% did not know whether there was support or not. In relation to the aquaculture industry, 50% in the Bantry site and 70% in the Dingle site felt locals supported the industry. The reasons given for this were employment, and the contribution aquaculture makes to the local economy. Results for the question whether the tourist industry supports the aquaculture industry were again similar to the fish farming questions. In Bantry 60% felt tourists didn t support the industry, again due to pollution concerns, and the visual impact of the industry. In the Dingle site, 40% felt there wasn t support for the industry. When asked about Government support, 60% in both sites felt the Government supported the industry, due to availability of grants, and the fact that the industry supplies fish and shellfish, when wild stocks are declining. They feel that

29 Government wants aquaculture production to increase and are willing to support the industry in anyway possible.

30 Appendix 1 Press article released by CRC/UCC. UCC researchers to carry out survey on Bantry area UCC researchers are involved in an EU project to find out how employment and the environment in rural communities change with the arrival of aquaculture. They are looking at the Dingle and Bantry Bay areas. They will visit Adrigole, the Sheeps Head Peninsula, Bantry, Ballickey, Glengarriff, Castletownbere, Bere and Dursey islands over the coming months to hear the views of a wide cross-section of local people. All information will be treated in a confidential manner. They also wish to look at inshore fish stocks, their interactions with and how the environment and ecosystem might be improved. The long-term employment prospects in these areas and the balancing of interest are also part of their project. Other areas of interest are the integration of the local people in the resource management of the area as well as the enforceability of regulations governing activities such as aquaculture and fisheries. The countries involved in the project are Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Scotland. These countries all share a common concern: that of balancing the relationship between the small scale fisherman, the aquaculture firm, the tourist industry, the private landowner and local government. Although they all depend on a sustained resource base in coastal areas their interests are often in conflict since different values, goals and interests motivate them. Thus there is a need for cooperation between the different interests in order to plan for the sustainable development of coastal areas. It is expected that this information will be directly used by EU and national policy makers. The results will provide recommendations on suitable strategies for the management of coastal areas and the sustainable use of renewable marine resources. Local people who would like to have their views heard should contact UCC from Tuesday, 2nd April onwards, Trisha Clayton at Or p.clayton@ucc.ie