Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency
Mussel seed settled successfully at six monitoring locations along Ireland's southwest coast in 2025, according to the first findings from a Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) research project aimed at helping shellfish growers improve the timing of seed collection. The results,…
More than 60,000 lobsters, with a combined weight of almost 39 tonnes, were returned to Irish waters under a Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) conservation programme in 2025 – the highest number recorded since legislation protecting V-notched lobsters was introduced 30 years ago.…
Ireland's fishing fleet faces a projected net loss of €65.8 million in 2026 as sharply reduced quotas, falling catches, and higher fuel costs further pressure fishing businesses and coastal communities, according to a new report from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).…
Founded in 1986, the Killybegs-based company employs more than 90 people and supplies marine handling and aquaculture equipment to customers across Europe and North America. SeaQuest specialises in designing and manufacturing fish pumping systems, hydraulic equipment, cranes and other marine…
Ireland's emerging blue bioeconomy will be the focus of a major industry conference at the Convention Centre Dublin on Monday, 19 October, where the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year will be announced. BIM Conference to Explore Blue Bioeconomy Opportunities…
Young people entering Ireland's fishing industry will be able to access Government-backed loans alongside BIM first-vessel grants, under new arrangements announced as part of the expansion of the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme. Young fishers seeking to buy their first…
Ireland will host one of Europe's leading aquaculture conferences for the first time in 37 years when Aquaculture Europe 2028 comes to Dublin, bringing international researchers, seafood producers and marine technology companies to the capital. Dublin has been selected to…
Eight Irish seafood processors explored cutting-edge technology at seafood production facilities in Ålesund, Norway, during a field mission led by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).Representatives from Kish Fish, Good Fish, Northcape Seafoods, Greenisle, Cheflink, Irish Seaspray, Albatross Seafoods and Galway Bay…
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…
