Investments of €6.6 million have been secured by Irish fishers under EU-funded schemes, which seek to help enhance sustainability, productivity and value in the Irish seafood sector.
Implemented through Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, these fisheries investments support innovative technologies such as solar-powered onshore holding tanks, integrated fish processing systems and refrigerated transport.
“Innovation is key to the fishing sector’s ability to remain competitive against a backdrop of multiple challenges including high energy and trading costs, inflation and geo-political instability,” said Caroline Bocquel, CEO, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency.
“By improving the quality of their catch and adding value to it, fishers are opening up new market opportunities. These transformative investments are helping to secure the future of the Irish seafood sector.”
Remaining competitive
Meanwhile, BIM has announced its own activities to help strengthen the sector, including the reopening of its successful lobster v-notching scheme on 1 April 2025.
Last year, the scheme resulted in over 47,000 lobsters being returned to the sea, helping to sustain stocks.
BIM has also launched new resources to assist fishers in business development and accessing financial supports. These guides aim to help fishers maximise returns and navigate regulatory requirements.
The two resources, entitled ‘Getting more for your catch – Guide to food safety and direct sales’, supported by EMFAF funding and ‘Supports for Ireland’s Fisheries Sector’, are available as printed booklets from BIM.
