Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency
Damien Toner has been appointed Director of Development and Innovation Services at Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). He has over 30 years’ experience in the seafood industry in the private and public sectors, having previously worked for Údarás na Gaeltachta, Inland…
A new BIM report has identified how shorter tow times can improve fuel efficiency in the Irish Sea prawn fishery without compromising catch performance. The findings come from a fishing gear trial carried out on board the MFV Margaret Mary…
Oireachtas Fisheries Committee Resumes Discussion on Fisheries Amendment Bill
28th September 2026 Oireachtas
BIM and the Marine Institute are among State bodies which will be represented at an Oireachtas Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs hearing on the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2026. The hearing on Tuesday September 29th is resuming pre-legislative scrutiny…
Fishing vessel owners and people working in the industry will shortly be able to apply for funding under three grant aid schemes supporting investment, sustainability and generational renewal in Ireland’s fishing fleet. The Young Fisher Scheme opens on 30 September,…
Seafood businesses across Ireland are being encouraged to strengthen their competitiveness and prepare for future challenges through BIM’s Seafood Business Advisory Programme. The programme provides tailored support to improve profitability and long-term sustainability, with an estimated 85% of Irish seafood…
Aran islanders demonstrated their skills when they won a lobster pot making contest at a new maritime festival on Inis Meáin. The first Féile Farraige Inis Meáin,drew a “fine field” of eight handmade pots for Comórtas an Phota Gliomach or…
Almost 500 fishing and aquaculture vessel owners have applied for the Government’s fuel support scheme, which has been sanctioned by the EU. The €15 million State aid scheme to support fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the…
Innovation in the Irish seafood centre and “blue bioeconomy” has been praised by Minister of State for Fisheries Timmy Dooley during a visit to the Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin. Mr Dooley met with representatives of Teagasc and…
A new steering group has been created to guide the development of the blue bioeconomy in the north-west, BIM says. It is one of the outcomes of a new report published by BIM with Donegal County Council. The Blue Bioeconomy Scoping…
Ireland’s seafood sector saw a sharp contraction in landing volumes in 2025 but continued to deliver growth in value, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). This demonstrated “strong global demand even as supply tightened”, its latest Business of Seafood report says. Landing volumes…
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has appointed Richard Donnelly as its new chief executive officer (CEO). The appointment by the BIM board followed “an open and competitive recruitment process”, and Mr Donnelly will take up the position with immediate effect, it…
The Irish Fisheries Management Chart for 2026 has been published by La Tene Maps with BIM. Now in its 21st annual edition, the large map (100 x 70cm) shows the 200-nautical-mile Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and surrounding fishing areas…
BIM has opened enrolment for its 2026 Deckhand Training Foundation Course, with growing interest from women entering the fishing and marine sector. An open day for prospective trainees will take place at the BIM National Fisheries College in Greencastle, Co…
Killary Fjord Shellfish has completed a €270,000 investment to increase mussel production and improve efficiency at its Connemara operation. The Leenane-based company upgraded harvesting equipment and expanded its rope-grown mussel system in response to rising demand for Irish shellfish. The…
A Co Kilkenny trout farm has completed a €138,000 investment aimed at boosting production to fill a growing demand in Irish and overseas markets. The Kilkenny-based family business says it is focusing on higher-value trout products and improved processing efficiency…
Ireland has the potential to become a major global hub for aquaculture technology innovation, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency. The sector now includes 76 Irish aquatech companies generating an estimated €165 million in value and…
