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 Fisheries Ireland and the Aquaculture Initiative European Economic Interest Grouping.
Announcing the appointment, BIM chief executive Richard Donnelly said Toner “brings a wealth of experience and expertise from across the seafood sector” and that “his leadership in driving BIM’s aquatech programme, together with his deep commitment to innovation and industry development, has been invaluable to the organisation”.
Toner has worked at BIM since 1999, initially as an aquaculture technical specialist before joining the salmon and shellfish team in 2018.
In his previous role as Aquatech Business Manager, he delivered BIM’s aquatech programme. Afloat has previously reported on BIM’s work to develop Ireland’s aquatech sector.
Toner holds an MSc in AgInnovation and diplomas in Applied Aquatic Sciences and Leadership and Management. He is the incoming president of the European Aquaculture Society.
The BIM Development and Innovation Services team supports the growth and competitiveness of Ireland’s seafood sector through business development, innovation, business intelligence and technical support.
It also drives the development of blue bioeconomy opportunities that create new value from marine resources, technology and innovation.
Afloat has continuing coverage of Ireland’s aquaculture sector.
