Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency
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…
BIM has opened its annual national seafood survey for aquaculture, with the closing date for the first phase on March 6th. The survey which collects data for 2025 runs in two phases. The first phase takes place between February and…
A West Cork seafood processor has completed a €500,000 investment to expand production and drive innovation. Shellfish Ireland, based in Castletownbere, said the upgrade will grow sales and widen its range of value-added seafood products. The investment includes new automation,…
Oyster Producer Develops AI System To Monitor Shellfish Health and Detect Mortalities
17th February 2026 Aquaculture
A Donegal oyster producer has developed a new artificial intelligence system that uses sound to monitor oyster health and detect mortalities. The system could help manage losses and improve sustainability in Irish aquaculture. Lee Hunter, a marine biologist and owner…
A West Cork boatyard has announced a major investment aimed at improving safety and increasing service capacity for marine users. Oldcourt Boats Ltd has acquired a heavy-duty telehandler with a remote-operated man basket to support repair and maintenance work at…
A pioneering Co Louth company that began life harvesting sea salt has received a €26,000 grant from the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) Northeast programme. Oriel Sea Salt is “redefining the international wellbeing and skincare sectors with its pure free-ion…
Bray’s refurbished Marine Life Aquarium is opening with support from the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) Southeast programme. The Co.Wicklow aquarium is expected to create up to 20 jobs across marine biology, hospitality, guest services, education and operations in the…
The Galway Hooker Sailing Club has received €35,000 towards the development of a dedicated boatbuilding and training centre at Galway Docks. The funding has been provided by the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) West programme. It is part of the…
Ireland’s seafood sector received more than €48 million in state funding in 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A total of €21.9 million in grant aid supported 1,606 operations under the Seafood Development Programme. The…
Failure To Wear PFDs and Need for Stability Awareness Training in Small Vessels Highlighted in MCIB Report
16th December 2025 MCIB
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has urged the Minister for Marine and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to provide stability awareness and safety training for small fishing vessels in the light of the death of a crewman after a razor clam…
An online briefing session for the shellfish industry on a revised code of practice will be held today (Thurs 11) by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). The SFPA says it will address key elements of the revised Code of Practice…
