AQUA-LINE

Information exchange system for remote fishery/ aquaculture communities

The AQUA-LINE project aimed to 'promote employment in areas dependent on fisheries by improving their access to information on diversification opportunities within the aquaculture sector'.

In order to achieve this aim the following objectives were established:

• To collate extant information on assistance available to those interested in developing aquaculture enterprises
• To develop a low cost, flexible demonstration system for storage, retrieval and dissemination of the information using existing technologies and communication methods
• To test the above system in four remote EU areas that are dependent on fisheries and its wider use within the EU

In order to achieve the aims the following materials and methodologies were utilised:

• Review of extant information: partners conducted individual reviews (literature reviews, WWW, market research, personal contacts) of existing material available to fishermen. This work package was later augmented by the survey results
• Compilation of Questionnaire: from the information gathered in the above review and in consultation with industry experts, the partners compiled a core questionnaire. This questionnaire formed the basis of the survey, with suitable adjustments for individual countries. Compiled in English the questionnaire was translated into Greek and Portuguese by partners.
• Survey: this was completed through (a) Personal face-to-face interviews (b) Phone interviews (c) Questionnaires (d) Contact with industry experts
• Design and construction of Electronic System: constructed with initial advice from project partners the system was designed to be flexible and hence developed and grew as each phase of the project was completed.
• Country Reports: Compilation of individual country reports summarising findings.

Download country reports:

• Ireland
• Greece
• Portugal
• UK

Website: http://www.aqua-line.org