An Irish marine biotechnology company which converts North Atlantic blue whiting into high-value nutritional ingredients has been highlighted in the Government's National Bioeconomy Strategy 2026–2030.
Co Monaghan-based Pure Marine Biotech, part of the Atlantic Dawn Group, operates a marine biorefinery using what it describes as sustainably sourced blue whiting.
The company uses enzymatic hydrolysis to process whole fish into nutritional ingredients, including protein powders rich in bioactive peptides, calcium powders and omega-3 fish oils.
These products have applications in human and animal nutrition, functional foods and cosmetics, according to the company.
Adding Value to Marine Resources
Powder Power – Pure Marine Biotech processes North Atlantic blue whiting into high-value nutritional ingredients, including protein powders rich in bioactive peptides, calcium powders and omega-3 fish oils. Photo: Pure Marine Biotech
Pure Marine Biotech is among the Irish enterprises cited in the strategy, which identifies opportunities to generate greater economic value from biological resources, including those produced by the fishing and seafood industries.
The company's approach illustrates how marine raw materials can be processed into specialised ingredients for markets beyond conventional seafood consumption.
The strategy identifies opportunities for new income streams for fishermen, farmers and foresters through higher-value products and more efficient use of biological resources.
National Strategy Launched in Dublin
The Bioeconomy Strategy 2026–2030 was launched at the Global Bioeconomy Summit in Dublin by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien.
The strategy covers industries involved in producing, processing, distributing and consuming biological resources, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food processing.
It also highlights opportunities to replace fossil fuel-derived materials with biological alternatives in products such as packaging, fertilisers, construction materials and consumer goods.
Biorefinery Development
Ireland's developing biorefinery infrastructure is another focus of the strategy.
Existing pilot and demonstration facilities, including the National Biorefinery Pilot Plant at Lisheen and the green biorefinery at Shinagh, are identified as resources for testing new technologies and connecting research with commercial applications.
For the marine sector, the strategy provides a national policy framework for developing new uses and markets for fish and other marine biological resources.
The inclusion of Pure Marine Biotech demonstrates how established fisheries supply chains can support specialist biotechnology and ingredient manufacturing.
Further details of the company's products are available on its ingredients page.
