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REVIEW OF THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY (CFP) CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Dr. Noel Cawley has been appointed by the Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Tony Killeen TD, to oversee consultations with stakeholders on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. This consultation will form a vital input to Ireland’s negotiating framework for the CFP Review and follows on from the Green Paper published by the European Commission in April, ‘Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy’. As a first step in the consultative process Dr. Cawley is inviting the seafood sector, the wider fishing community and any other affected parties the opportunity to comment and submit proposals on the reform of the CFP. Submissions can be forwarded by post to Ms. Sheila O’Neill Secretary – CFP Review PO Box 31, Clonakilty, Co Cork Or from 1st July they can be forwarded electronically via the web portal: www.fishingnet.ie Background information and documentation is available on the fishingnet.ie website and all submissions received, subject to legal and editorial considerations, will also be published on the website to broaden the debate. The closure date for this call for submissions is October 30th.
4
INSHORE IRELAND July/August 2009
NEWS
Complex legal route by EU Court of Justice ensures Directives apply GERY FLYNN FEATURES EDITOR
A
Dáil exchange between Deputy Michael Ring and Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley has turned an unwelcome spotlight on Ireland’s lack-lustre performance in adopting EU environmental law. In a 9 February debate on environmental issues, Deputy Ring queried the Minister over the measures being taken ‘to remedy a situation in view of the fact that obligations under Directives (details supplied by the Deputy) have not been complied with here’. A written response from Minister Gormley revealed that the European Commission was in correspondence with his Department in respect of 28 cases relating to possible infringements of EU environmental legislation. Minister Gormley welcomed the Commission’s decision in January to close two long-standing nature protection cases that it had taken against Ireland under the European Union Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Birds (79/ 409/EEC) Directives. And he added that since taking up office in June 2007, he had prioritised the resolution of issues arising from environmental infringement cases, declaring that his Department ‘is working hard to resolve these cases as soon as possible’. In a previous edition of this paper, (II 2/1 2006) Inshore Ireland detailed the complex legal pathway the European Court of Justice takes to ensure that such Directives are fully complied with by all 27 member states. This report noted that in the period 1998-2003, Ireland was running a close second to Spain at the bottom of the EU table, which had the highest number of environmental infringement cases against it. Denmark, Sweden and Finland had the least letters of formal notices against them.
BACKGROUND It is important to understand at least some of the mechanisms used by the European Court of Justice to ensure that environmental laws are adopted. Directives are applied in the form of regulations or statutory instruments, and must be transposed into national law, usually within two years. Members must ensure full application of, and be compli-
ant with, the standards laid down in the Directive. If a member state is suspected of heading in the direction of non-compliance, the European Commission stages a carefully-coordinated approach under Article 226:
PRELIMINARY PROCEDURES Commission officials enter into dialogue with officials from the member state in question, giving it opportunity to respond to the complaints against it.
LETTER OF FORMAL NOTICE This outlines the reasons why the Commission considers there is an infringement of European law and signals the beginning of the infringement process. A member state has two months to respond.
REASONED OPINION This issues if no response is received within the period, or if the response is, in the Commission’s view, unsatisfactory. It also has a twomonth response time.
REFERRAL TO EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE If the response is again unsatisfactory, the Commission decides whether to refer the case to the European Court of Justice. ECJ judgments are only ‘declaratory’ and are preceded by an opinion from the Advocate General. The Court cannot annul national laws but it can declare those that do not comply with or are in conflict with EU law. If the member state still fails to comply, the Commission can start new proceedings against the State for failing to comply with the European Court’s judgment, this time under Article 228. A new Letter of Formal Notice is then issued followed by a Reasoned Opinion. If the State does not comply with the next Reasoned Opinion, the Commission can go to the ECJ to request a specific lump sum/fine to be imposed by the Court. The Commission believes that daily fines are the best way to ensure implementation.
Ireland was running a close second to Spain at the bottom of the EU table
Unacceptable action by Iceland and Norway to increase their mackeral quotas
I
n a statement following the AGM of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association, Tom Geoghegan, national secretary, said the Association was pleased Minister Tony Killeen had accepted its invitation to address their meeting at this ‘critical juncture in the global economic downturn’ when the Irish fish processing and exporting industry ‘was facing very severe competitive conditions in world-wide markets for its substantial export trade in fish and fish products’. In 2008, the trade was valued at approximately €350m. Of major concern to the Association, and a breach of international obligations, is the unilateral action by Iceland and Norway, whereby Iceland awarded itself a new quota of 112,000 tonnes of mackerel this year, and Nor-
way and the Faroes unilaterally increasing their authorised quotas of mackerel by 30,000 tonnes and 5,000 tonnes respectively. ‘‘These activities cut at the heart of management and stock conservation of the overall mackerel fishery. Unless strong corrective action is urgently taken by the EU Commission to redress the situation, the precedent could well be established and could lead to less share out of future mackerel quotas for Irish and other EU mackerel fisheries,’’ said Tom Geoghegan The AGM also addressed the necessity for changes in the provision of the proposed Control Regulation concerning the weighing of fish in transit from landing port to processing plants, and within processing plants: ‘‘Issues raised will be pursued with the Minister and his Department as soon as possible, given that the pro-
posed new regulation is scheduled to come into force on 1 Jan 2010. Mr Geogheghan also said that the Minister was ‘fully supportive’ of the Association’s recent efforts to oppose concerted efforts of mainland EU fish processing industries for increased duty free imports from Third World Countries of certain herring products in particular over the period from 2010 to 2012. ‘‘The Association is working closely with the Minister and his Department to resist
any increase in duty free imports of the herring products concerned. Efforts being made by Continental EU processors to have a new import regime opened for duty free imports of frozen mackerel from Third World Countries will also be firmly resisted.’’ Other items brought to the attention of Minister Killeen included Irish fish quota management arrangements and the proposed reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Board elections *
Chairman: Andy Mulloy, Connemara Seafoods Ltd. Deputy chairman: Charles McAleavy, Donegal Fish Ltd. * Vice-chairman: Cathal Groonell, Iasc Mara Teo., Rossaveal. * Treasurer: Brendan Minehane, Eiranova Fisheries, Castletownbere. * Secretary: Gareth Gallagher, Atlanfish Limited, Carndonagh. * Tom Geoghegan continues in the executive role as National Secretary of the Association. *
‘Undisputed’ need to eradicate discarding
A
t the recent Minister for Fisheries Council meeting, a new approach to the phasing out of discards was outlined by Commissioner Borg. ‘‘The practice of discarding marine organisms, including marketable fish, is one of the biggest problems facing European fisheries. This practice is unacceptable and there is an undis-
puted need to eradicate it,’’ he said. He added that since 2007, the Commission had taken measures to reduce discards, ‘however, much more needs to be done’. ‘‘The problem of discards is very complex, since discards take place for a variety of reasons. ‘‘Some discards result from the implementation of the current regulatory sys-
tem, and others from specific national legislation, but much of what is discarded is simply the result of economic considerations’’. He said that different elements to resolve this problem required a step-by-step approach that would focus in the short term on the most pressing issues and address regulated and other major commercial species.
These measures include: A ban on high grading * Licensing vessels according to likely catches * Improving the selectivity of fishing gear * Using new instruments, such as real-time closures * Carrying out pilot projects and reducing overall fishing effort — all of which could be ‘today’, under the current CFP rules. *
Publication dates for 2009 • February 2nd • April 30th • July 30th
• October 29th • December 17th
To advertise in Inshore Ireland contact:
Roger Cole Email: cole@inshore-ireland.ie Tel: (01) 285 9111 / 284 1544 or 087-2611579
Wendy Scott Email: scott@inshore-ireland.com Tel: (ROI 048) 91 857721 / 0044 28 91 857721
Inshore Ireland is distributed to the coastal and inland waterway regions throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland
www.euireland.eu European Commission Representation in Ireland
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE REFORM OF THE COMMON FISHERIES POLICY http://ec.europa.eu/ďŹ sheries/reform Deadline: 31 December 2009
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The Prevention of Pollution (Erne System) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 The NIEA wishes to remind all owners and operators of vessels that the above regulation prohibits the keeping or use on Lough Erne of boats that can discharge the contents of their toilets directly into the waterway. A copy of the Regulations can be requested by emailing emergency-pollution@doeni.gov.uk or contacting: NIEA, Water Management Unit, Regional Operations, 17 Antrim Road, Co Antrim, BT38 8RD Telephone (028) 9262 3239 Northern Ireland
Environment www. ni-environment.gov.uk
Agency
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Ireland’s environment - Who does what? The Environmental Protection Agency The Environmental Protection Agency protects the environment for everyone in the country. We regulate and police activities that might otherwise cause pollution.We ensure there is solid information on environmental trends so that necessary actions are taken.
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16
INSHORE IRELAND July/August 2009
AQUACULTURE NEWS
‘What do we think of when we hear the words Common Fisheries Policy? Usually, angry fishermen’
P
resenting at Workshop 3, Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, as part of the Integrated Maritime Policy, Richie Flynn, executive secretary, IFA Aquaculture, asked and replied: ‘‘What do we think of when we hear the words Common Fisheries Policy? Usually, angry fishermen’’. Speaking specifically of Ireland, with 2,700 km of coastline of ‘perfect conditions for growing finfish and shellfish’, he said the industry has been ‘stagnating or even shrinking’ over the past eight years. ‘‘Here is a clear signal that European aquaculture needs new impetus and a new direction.’’ He added that innovation and cutting edge technology were the ‘hallmarks of EU aquaculture’, with many innovations and the results of research and development
being exported around the world. ‘‘This has led to our competitors exporting their fish back to us,’’ he stressed. Providing raw material for the vital processing sector ‘is one of our main jobs’, he added. ‘‘This is another aspect of the business which is to the forefront in innovation
and technology, responding to dynamic consumer demand for convenient and healthy foods.’’ Flynn also noted that processing was a ‘major generator of wealth’ for member states in the form of exports and trade, both within and outside the EU ‘and also an
important provider of much needed employment in difficult times’. Stressing the importance of a clean environment, he said that the very presence of aquaculture ‘‘ensures good water quality under European legislation. The whole of Europe should be proud of
these vineyards of the sea’’. European Aquaculture in the EU27 produces around 1.3 million tonnes of fish, shellfish and crustaceans, representing a turnover of around €3 billion and supporting 65,000 jobs. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world with
an average increase of 6% to 8% per annum and a global production of nearly 52 million tonnes in 2006. Europe does not share in this growth and the untapped potential of aquaculture is unrealised, while imports of seafood to the EU are now at a staggering 60% of consumption.
Aquaculture and the Common Fisheries Policy Green Paper Not fully integrated into the CFP * Quotas, fishing effort, conservation objectives etc — not relevant * PO structure does not suit aquaculture * Related legislation and policy, such as the Common Market Organisation and the European Fisheries Fund, ARE relevant. * Aquaculture planning is
*
regulated at member state level * Impacted by other EU legislation; e.g. NATURA 2000, Shellfish Waters Directive, Food Safety Standards, Fish Health Regulations, Transporting of Animals, Water Quality, etc * Agree that seafood production in EU must be based on economically rational principles
* Support highest number of coastal jobs possible — integrating clusters of industry between all sectors * Support continued consultation with industry in ACFA * Support greater efficiencies and reduced bureaucracy * Support highest traceability and labelling of products * Support transnational POs relevant to aquaculture (not just withdrawals but quality,
marketing, information sharing)
COMMONALITY BETWEEN POLICIES: * Aquaculture + CFP + IMP = spatial planning Must contribute to: * Growth in seafood production & consumption & jobs * Stability and predictability for aquaculture businesses * Food safety by ensuring
highest water quality standards * Synergy/clustering in marine communities * Better Infrastructure — transport, facilities * Equal rightsfor aquaculture producers * Information gathering and environmental monitoring * Development of outermost regions and islands.
High time to unlock potential of EU aquaculture
T
he European Commission has launched an initiative to boost the sustainable development of aquaculture throughout the Union. Launching the measure, Joe Borg, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said that while aquaculture had a bright future as a high-quality, healthy food source, its potential was far from being fully realised. ‘‘The time has come to put this important industry at the front of the political debate and remove the bottlenecks holding back its future development.’’ He added that without reducing environmental protection, development would,
among other things, ‘‘increase our possibilities for supply of the high-quality products demanded by EU consumers, and create opportunities for economic development in coastal areas and river basins.’’
GROWTH ‘‘I am convinced that European aquaculture has the potential for growth,’’ Commissioner Borg said. ‘‘We cannot expect the same explosive growth rates as those seen in some parts of the world, but in contrast to such developments, we will ensure that our growth is sustainable.’’ The initiative centres
"Providing a range of support services for the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, increasing volume,value and employment in the six counties of Northern Ireland and the six border counties of the Republic of Ireland" For Further Information Please Contact: 14-15 Grays Lane, Park St, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: (+353) 42 938 5074 Fax: (+353) 42 935 2490 Email: info@aquacultureinitiative.eu
around three strategic objectives, with a number of actions linked to them: * Increase competitiveness — by supporting research and technological development; ensuring access to space and water; ensuring an equal voice in spatial planning processes; enabling the sector to cope with market demands and helping it strengthen its position on the international scene. * Ensure sustainable growth — by encouraging green production methods; ensuring high animal health and welfare standards; providing healthy and safe food to consumers and publicising the health benefits of aquaculture products. * Improve the sector’s image and governance — by ensuring a level playing field; reducing red tape; encouraging the dissemination of factual information; stakeholder involvement in policy-making, and adequately monitoring the sector. In its communication, the Commission examines the root causes of production stagnation, and examines ways to improve competitiveness, sustainability and governance.
STATEMENT The statement launching the new initiative reads: Firstly, the sector can become more competitive through ongoing strong support for research and technological development, improved planning of space in coastal areas and river basins to make it easier for the sector to compete for space and water, and inclusion of its specific needs in the EU’s market policy for fisheries products. Secondly, it will remain sustainable if it continues to
build on environmentallyfriendly production methods, maintains high animal health and welfare standards and delivers a high level of consumer protection. Thirdly, more can be done to enhance the sector’s image and its governance-related aspects. Aquaculture’s success will depend, to a large extent, on there being a businessfriendly environment for the sector at national and/or local level. Hence the Commission’s willingness to provide Member States and regional authorities with guidance to ensure that targeted measures at local, national and EU level help the sector make full use of its assets. The Commission believes that a strong, reinvigorated aquaculture industry would serve as a catalyst for growth in related sectors, and further contribute to the development of rural and coastal areas. Moreover, consumers would benefit in the form of healthy, high-quality food products produced in an environmentally-friendly way. These are just some of the crucial benefits that would accrue from concerted European action at all levels to unlock the aquaculture sector’s full potential. ‘‘The aim is not to create new legislation specifically for aquaculture, but to give a strong political impetus to its development. The measures are mainly non-legislative, and should be delivered over a period of two to four years,’’ Commissioner Borg noted. He added that EU aquaculture would be assessed and discussed in the context of the reform of the CFP and in the review of the EU financing instruments after 2013.
Delegates networked and exchanged information on international best practice. PICTURE: Cushla Drumgoole-Regan
First annual fish health seminar NEIL RUANE & LISA FITZPATRICK
T
he first annual Fish Health Seminar at the Marine Institute in June was attended by over 80 representatives of the aquaculture industry, scientists and government agencies. The aim of the seminar was to provide a platform for the exchange of information on fish health issues of relevance to the Irish industry, focusing on current international best practice and lessons learned from the industries in other countries. The seminar included national experts speaking on fish health management in Ireland (Fiona Geoghegan, Marine Institute and Kevin Murphy, KPM Aqua/VetAqua); new and emerging disease problems (Hamish Rodger, Vet-Aqua) and gill diseases (Susie Mitchell, VetAqua). The seminar also included international speakers from the Faroe Islands (Peter Østergård speaking on ISA), England (Kevin Denham speaking on VHS), Scotland (Chris Findlay on sea lice management) and Northern Ireland (Marian
McLoughlin on pancreas disease research). The need for strict biosecurity, good management and hygiene practices in preventing and controlling disease were the key themes highlighted throughout the seminar. Kevin Denham (Cefas, Britain) highlighted the need for practical and up-to-date contingency and operational plans when dealing with new disease outbreaks. Fiona Geoghegan, a Fish Health Unit manager at the Institute, told delegates that the high attendance showed ‘‘the commitment to high standards of practice in the Irish aquaculture industry, and is reflective of the response we’ve had from industry in implementing the new fish health regulations.’’ Information leaflets on new fish health regulations were distributed to delegates, who also had the opportunity to preview a series of disease information leaflets, which will form part of a Fish Health Handbook currently being developed for fish farmers. * More information on the seminar and the fish health regulations is available on www.marine.ie
SUB
T P I SCR
S N IO
Inshore Ireland is a marine/freshwater newspaper produced by journalists, Gillian Mills and Gery Flynn and distributed by the Irish Farmers Journal. In news, feature and advertorial format, Inshore Ireland reports from the coastal rim and inland waterwaysunder the following headings: • Aquaculture • Island life • Inshore fisheries
• Water management • Policy and regulation • Engineering & technology
• Research and development • Seafood marketing and retail
Inshore Ireland has a circulation of 35,000 copies. It is also posted directly to key individuals in the marine sector and is available six times a year by subscription.
www.inshore-ireland.com Editor: Gillian Mills 01 2354804 / 087 2902045 mills@inshore-ireland.com Features: Gery Flynn 091 844822 / 085 7475797 flynn@inshore-ireland.com Advertising: Roger Cole 01 2841544 / 087 2611597 cole@inshore-ireland.com Wendy Scott (NI) (ROI 048) 91 857721 / 0044 28 91 857721 scott@inshore-ireland.com
Bimonthly Interview
incorporating
Aquaculture
Glenn Murphy, IMDO Pages 8-9
Ireland
Freshwater Angling
News from the
coast and inland
Marine Tourism
The bream dream Page 14-15
Once in a blue moon Monday Page 21
waterways
PREP REPA ARING FOR ARING FOR THE T STORM
* The Commissioners of Irish Lights’ An Irish Coast vessel Granuaile Guard helicopter lands engineers keeps a watchful on Mallagh rock eye from above. near Arranmore
Island to carry
out essential
repairs ahead
of forecasted bad weather. Photo: J Rafferty
more than job losses? a —
Avail of the next 6 issues of Inshore Ireland By Gery Flynn
ÚDARÁS na Gaeltachta research subsidiary ’s decision to jettison , Taighde with disbelief its marine and disappoint Mara Teo (TMT), nity. has ment by the aquaculturebeen met commu-
Ireland €30
• October
A statement tacht developme from the Gael- marine sector that ‘a decision nt agency states It continues:in recent years.’ to discontinue the activities ‘Taighde Mara expertise now available has, for the organisations most part, provided followed an of Taighde Mara a from consultancy ine Institute such as the Marfuture f ure in light assessment of its funding service with and NUI of changes in little the purposes.available for research Martin-Ryan-Institute, Galway’s The wide range research unit with in Carna, and its of the
• December • February • April • June
Britain €35
Vol 4 Issue 5
Licensing debacle is brought to Leinster Housse e
Demise RATES INSHORE IRELAND SUBSCRIPTION of Taighde Mar
• August
October 2008
Freshwater Focus .......... Aquaculture . . . . 10 — News . . . . 11 .... Island Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 — 19 Marine R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 ........ 22 — 24
European Union €40
* To page
2
IFA Aquacultur a special hearinge secured Joint Oireachtas with the Committee on Agriculture Fisheries and October in Food on 15 Dail a Éireann E´ ireann to raise the Dáil aquaculture crisis in the sector. The delegation, led by Richie Flynn, IFA Aquaculture, told the Committee that the Governme tion, apathy nt’s ‘‘inactowards the and hostility’’ aquaculture industry 2,000 jobs was costing rural areas. in peripheral The delegatio n explained the unique potential the sector offered to create new wealth; stimulate the coastal economy; drive down and add to unemployment payments. the balance of ‘‘It is an food industry indigenou s tainable natural using susresources to meet the sophisticated,demands of a health-conscious consumer market. The sector has the potential to create time jobs if 2,000 fullment sticks the Government in the to its commitCawley Plan,’’ Richie Flynn, culture executiveIFA Aquasecretary, told Inshore Ireland. * To page
19
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DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF IRELAND’S ISLANDS ON A CONNEMARA SAFARI Rugged, wild and situated in beautiful isolation, Ireland’s offshore islands are steeped in history and shrouded in mystery and romance.
There’s the island’s seal colony to view and a deep sea cave and arch system which you can actually climb into.
Why not take the most relaxing holiday of your life by exploring the wild and rugged islands of Inishbofin, Inishturk and Clare Island off Ireland’s west coast. The Connemara Safari is an exhilarating five-day walking holiday, where you can experience the unique character of each island and marvel at the dramatic landscapes which are a haven for wildlife and have long protected a traditional way of life, lost in other parts of the country.
Inishbofin is well known for its white sandy beaches, rare flora and fauna and magnificent scenery. Walking, angling and diving are popular, as are windsurfing, swimming and just relaxing on the calm rolling hills of this magnificent isle.
Come and walk and listen to the stories told by your guide, archaeologist and wildlife enthusiast Gerry McCluskey. Visit the pubs and restaurants, experience these unique islands and meet the resilient and independent people who make these craggy shores their home. This is an active adventure holiday of both nature and mind, so enthralling it will make you forget about everything else in the world. Bring along a good pair of walking shoes, protective rain gear, buckets and spades and sun cream! With a little luck you will see wild dolphins, grey seals, gannets or basking sharks between the islands.
This remote island, with a population of just 180, has many sights and places of interest to visit. See everything from cliff forts and monastic sites to the great sandy beaches and even a Cromwellian Castle.
Inishturk Inishturk is a beautiful island located off the west coast of Co. Mayo with clear blue waters and breathtaking scenery. Visiting the island is a truly unique experience. The island is rich in archeological sites and its rugged pathways and lesser known trails offer walkers plenty of opportunities to explore. It’s an island wholly dependent on the traditional activities of farming, fishing and local craft businesses such as currach making. You will be treated to a traditional island dinner followed by a traditional evening of Irish music, song and dance in one of Ireland’s longest surviving Shebeens and watch the sun go down on what locals claim to be the best views in Europe! Clare Island Clare Island is the largest and highest of Clew Bay’s many islands, with dramatic coastal cliffs and spectacular views of one of Ireland’s best known peaks, Croagh Patrick. The island has been inhabited for 5,000 years and the remains of promontory forts,
a megalithic tomb, ancient field systems and Bronze Age sites can easily be visited. Clare Island is most famous as the stronghold of the 16th century pirate queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile) and her castle can still be seen lording over the coast. Clare Island’s scenic beauty, pristine beaches, rare flora and gentle peak of Knockmore make it an ideal destination for walkers, with spectacular sea cliffs supporting large numbers of gannets and peregrine falcons. Offshore, the clear waters surrounding the island are known for their exceptional dive sites. Clare Island is also known for its lively nightlife, live music and regular summer festivals. Connemara Safari Schedule 5-day ISLAND HOPPING TOUR 2009 July 13th 20th 27th rd th th Aug 3 10 17 24th Sep 7th 14th This all-inclusive holiday is priced at €699 per person. A single supplement of €80 applies.
To book call 1850 777200 or see www.walkingconnemara.com For information on all of Ireland’s islands see www.discoverireland.ie/islands
Marine Institute
Foras na Mara
www.marine.ie Your portal to marine research, monitoring, technology, development & innovation
Marine Institute Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway telephone +353 91 387 200 facsimile +353 91 387 201 email institute.mail@marine.ie
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BIM and Irish Aquaculture
Harvesting the Best!
At BIM there is a commitment to develop an aquaculture industry we can all be proud of. Sustainable job creation in coastal communities integrating all members of the community is central to this pursuit. Through technical, financial, marketing and environmental/quality support services, BIM is actively engaged in promoting the most up to date and cost efficient aquaculture techniques, to produce quality seafood, consistent with the needs of environmental protection and conservation.
Quality products are crucial for successful marketing. To this end, the BIM environmental/ quality programme aims to promote the concepts of quality and environmental awareness with the development of codes of practice for finfish and shellfish, and the implementation of quality assurance schemes.
Financial support for pilot and commercial aquaculture ventures is available through European and BIM grant schemes for both existing farmers and new entrants.
So, what does all of this mean? Simply, that BIM offers a one stop shop for all your aquaculture development needs.
The financial support is complemented by technical expertise and training programmes on best husbandry practice for shellfish and finfish production drawing on home based and international expertise. BIM’s technical programme is continuing to investigate the potential of novel species and new and innovative technology. Feasibility studies, site selection and evaluation are also part of our service.
If you would like further information you can contact BIM’s Aquaculture Development Division at: Tel: +353 1 2144100/Fax: +353 1 2841123 Email: aqua@bim.ie www.bim.ie