Kelly Oysters, a multi-award-winning seafood business based in Galway, is set to expand its sales of mussels for the domestic market following a recent investment.

The €172,000 investment has been supported by BIM, with €74,844 coming from the Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme.

This significant investment will enable Kelly Oysters to "mussel" in on the growing seafood market and meet the increasing demand for high-quality seafood in Ireland. The expansion is expected to create new jobs and help drive growth in the local economy. The investment is a testament to the quality of Kelly Oysters' products and the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the seafood industry.

The scheme, which will deliver up to €45 million in funding to the Irish seafood processing sector, is funded by the European Union under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. It was recommended by the Seafood Taskforce established by Minister for the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D.

Diarmuid and Michael Kelly of Kelly's Oysters in Galway Bay. As well as supplying the Oyster Festivals, Kelly Oysters supplies oysters throughout Ireland and around the world. Last season, these much sought-after delicacies were exported to 14 different countries. Photo: Andrew Downes

Diarmuid Kelly, one of two brothers who runs the business, said the investment has seen the introduction of a new production system which will package small-sized bags of mussels suitable for home preparations. He sees this as opening the doors for new sales channels at home and abroad.

Kelly Oysters recently won a prestigious Euro-Toques Food Award for its outstanding Blue Rope Mussels, and for its contribution to regenerative aquaculture in Ireland. “We were so proud to win this award. It is recognition of the work we put into producing the finest shellfish possible.” said Diarmuid Kelly.

Kelly Oysters recently won a prestigious Euro-Toques Food Award for its outstanding Blue Rope Mussels

At present the live mussels produced by the Kelly’s are mainly packed in 10kg to 15 kg bags for the food service and wholesale market. But they are not suitable for retail sales.

Said Diarmuid Kelly: “We noticed an increase in demand from fish wholesalers for smaller sized packaging during the Covid-19 pandemic and this trend has remained. Market research is telling us that consumers are looking for produce that is semi prepared and ready to cook. Our new smaller 1kg packaging is an opportunity to drive increased sales into retail, and direct to consumer channels.”

Traditionally, handier 1kg net bags of mussels have been produced by hand, something which was very labour intensive. But thanks to the recent investment, supported by BIM, Kelly Oysters has introduced a product line that will prepare, weigh, pack and label 1kg bags of mussels that are fully traceable from farm to fork.

The live mussels produced by the Kelly’s are mainly packed in 10kg to 15 kg bags for the food service and wholesale market

“Our investment will add huge value to our existing produce,” said Diarmuid Kelly. “From existing inquiries, we estimate a demand of 20 tonnes of 1kg packs of mussels per annum, growing to 50 tonnes over three years. We are very excited about the new chapter and the prospect of welcoming new generations of shellfish lovers to our product.”

For more than seven decades the Kelly family has been successfully farming delicious, top quality oysters, mussels and shellfish in the crystal-clear waters of Galway Bay. Its sustainably farmed oysters grace the tables of some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Ireland and around the world.

Kelly Oysters was first set up by Diarmuid’s father, Michael, in 1952. At that stage there was only a wild stock of oysters on the west coast, and no oyster farming. “My grandfather, who was also called Michael, was an oyster dredger and he would dredge wild oysters from the bottom of the sea from a fishing boat. It was my father Michael who formally set up the business and started selling oysters to restaurants.”

Kelly Oysters is a multi-award-winning family seafood business based in Galway

The passion and love for the business was passed down to sons Diarmuid and Micheal. But pivotal also to the business are their wives Mary (married to Micheal) and Theresa (married to Diarmuid) who work full time in the business. In addition, Micheals, son Michael junior, is on the staff of ten.

Said Diarmuid: “Where we are now is very much due to the hard work and dedication that our entire team put in every day. The Brexit Processing Capital Support Scheme has been a huge help to us, and was the incentive for us to introduce our new product line which will help us become more efficient and to reach new customers.”

The Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit created several challenges for the business with significant disruption to sales.

“We realised to meet the economic and future needs of this family business; a new strategy was required which included adding value to existing products, and which did not rely solely on the existing wholesale foodservice market.”

Currently Kelly Oysters sell approximately 30 per cent of its product abroad, and 70 per cent to the domestic market. It exports oysters to 14 countries around the world, including Canada and Singapore.

The Marine Minister, Charlie McConalogue T.D, has announced the launch of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development (NSPSA) 2030. The NSPSA aims to support a diverse consumer and market base, which aligns with the recognition of Irish aquaculture's growing status as a key provider of sustainable, low-carbon, and healthy food.

In 2021, the Aquaculture industry in Ireland was worth approximately €175 million and has grown significantly since the 1980s. The sector produces high-value finfish and shellfish worth around 40,000 tonnes and employs approximately 1,800 people, mostly in rural areas.

The Minister emphasized the recent environmental and economic challenges that have impacted the Irish aquaculture industry, such as the drive towards carbon net-zero, the UK's exit from the European Union, and the global effects of the war in Ukraine. He hopes that the new NSPSA will provide the necessary building blocks to continue developing a sustainable, competitive, and market-focused aquaculture sector in Ireland.

"In 2021, the Aquaculture industry in Ireland was worth approximately €175 million"

The NSPSA will be implemented throughout a ten-year period, ending in 2030, and has four main objectives: building resilience and competitiveness, participating in the green transition, ensuring social acceptance and consumer information, and increasing knowledge and innovation. It outlines 58 specific actions, including developing a user-friendly online aquaculture licensing and information system, prioritizing fish welfare, supporting innovative practices in aquaculture, and creating a human capacity plan to promote the sector as a desirable career option.

Marine Minister, Charlie McConalogue T.D

The Minister believes that the NSPSA will pave the way for the Irish Aquaculture sector to become more resilient, competitive, and globally recognized for its sustainability and quality standards. He hopes that with the implementation of this plan, the aquaculture sector will be able to maintain its competitive edge in the future, significantly contributing to the coastal communities and the Irish economy as a whole.

Researchers on technology for the rapid diagnosis of fish disease on aquaculture sites have been awarded Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funding.

A team led by Dr Niall Maloney of the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Prof Enda McGlynn of Dublin City University (DCU) is working with Catherine McManus of Mowi Ireland on the project.

“Current methods for the diagnosis of pathogens in aquaculture are time-consuming and are carried out in laboratories that are sometimes far from farm sites,” Dr Maloney says.

“ By developing technology for use directly at the farm site, we can reduce sample to answer times and ensure more timely and appropriate disease management practices can be implemented,” he says.

The team says it will develop a test that works in a similar fashion to the COVID-19 tests that were used in homes and workplaces throughout the pandemic, but with some modifications.

Oxide nanostructures, which are thin and narrow will be grown on the paper used in these tests in Prof McGlynn’s laboratory.

“By increasing the surface to volume ratio of the test line using these structures it is hoped that assay performance can be improved by providing a larger area for the capture of pathogens,” they state.

“ A portable thermal reader will also be developed to scan the assay test lines to determine the number of infectious agents present,” they explain.

The support by SFI is drawn from the National Challenge Fund announced recently by Higher Education Minister Simon Harris.

The National Challenge Fund is a €65 million programme established under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility,

“An important part of Challenge-based funding is engagement with stakeholders and potential beneficiaries to ensure we are making informed decisions on the future direction of this project,” Dr Maloney says.

“This type of engagement will ensure that we focus our efforts on the real-world challenges faced when trying to diagnose infectious disease in aquaculture and ensure we can achieve maximum impact,” he says.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, is set to host a conference aimed at positioning the country as the centre of excellence for aquatech. The event, scheduled for Thursday, October 19th, will also mark the announcement of the first-ever Aquatech Business of the Year award.

The conference, held in partnership with global aquaculture accelerator Hatch and supported by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, will bring together some of the leading experts in aquaculture, including Kristen Virega, SVP Global Shrimp efishery, Neil Sims, Founder and CEO, Ocean Era, and Jennifer Bushman, Sustainable Aquaculture Strategist and Communicator. BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel, will also be among the key speakers.

BIM CEO Caroline Bocquel will be a key speaker at Ireland's Aquatech conference in October

Aquatech is defined as any technology enabling sustainable seafood farming. Currently, there are 62 aquatech companies operating in Ireland, employing almost 900 people and generating a combined turnover of €217 million.

The conference will provide a platform for senior policymakers, aquaculture and tech sector thought leaders, and investors to learn how Ireland can build its capabilities in this space. 'Aquatech – Ireland’s Global Opportunity' is set to take place at the Brehon Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry, from 14:00 to 16:00 (Irish Standard Time).

This exclusive discussion and knowledge-sharing opportunity is free to attend. Those interested can register at the following link: bit.ly/44CLJgX

Five shellfish production areas have been upgraded, and 15 production areas have been downgraded in the annual classification list for commercial shellfish.

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) assessed 134 classifications in 60 production areas against strict safety requirements for human consumption.

The SFPA says that six production areas changed from an A classification to Seasonal A classification; one production area moved from a Seasonal A to a B classification and eight production areas decreased in seasonality (i.e., shortening in seasonal length).

One production area was declared as dormant due to inactivity over the last twelve months, and limited monitoring data is available.

Live shellfish can only be harvested from production areas which meet strict classification requirements for human consumption, as set out under European and Irish Food laws.

The SFPA, in collaboration with the shellfish industry, conducts regular shellfish sampling in all production areas, monitoring the levels of bacterial contamination of shellfish to determine the risk and classification status.

Ireland produced an estimated 29,000 tonnes of shellfish in 2022 - including mussels (both rope and bottom culture), oysters, clams, cockles, and scallops - from classified production areas annually, and an additional 2,200 tonnes of scallops are landed from offshore sites, the SFPA says.

The Irish aquaculture-farmed shellfish sector is worth an estimated €71 million annually (up 10% on last year’s figures), which was reported in the BIM report on The Business of Seafood 2022.

Around 90% of shellfish produced in Ireland is exported, principally to European and Asian markets, and Ireland is the second largest producer of oysters in Europe after France.

Table 1. Shellfish Classification based on E. coli monitoring Source: SFPA

Minister for the Marine Charlie McConalogue, T.D., addressed the key issue of decarbonisation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector at the Informal Meeting of Fisheries Ministers held in Vigo, Spain on 17 and 18 July.

At the meeting, organised by Spain, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Fisheries Ministers from across the EU discussed ways to overcome challenges and potential barriers to deliver carbon neutrality for the seafood sector by 2050.

Member States agreed on the need for significant investment, in addition to that provided under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), in order to achieve the energy transition. Ministers also noted the need for innovation in alternative energy for fishing vessels as the current technologies are not yet sufficiently developed and available to scale for maritime use.

Minister McConalogue highlighted the need for an EU-wide approach:

“Fisheries are a shared Union resource. Therefore, we need to take collective action on an EU-wide basis. Any policy or regulatory framework must have clear, realistic objectives, taking into account the cost involved and the investment and support needed over a realistic timeframe. Such a framework must consider all aspects of the seafood sector and adopt a dual approach of increasing efficiency and exploring alternative energy sources in parallel.”

On the decarbonisation of fishing vessels, the Minister noted:

“Different fleet segments will have different needs and challenges, and these must be considered when planning supportive action.”

The Minister went on to say that: “Adapting port infrastructure to facilitate the use of alternative fuels and sustainable energy sources will require significant investment. An EU-wide investment framework is essential for equitable development and to allow Member States to maintain competitiveness.”

Regarding the Aquaculture and Processing sectors, the Minister said:

“Moving to more sustainable and efficient energy use will make these sectors more resilient and competitive and help them to fulfil their crucial role in ensuring the EU’s food security.”

Last month, the European Commission launched the Energy Transition Partnership – a multi-stakeholder platform to promote cooperation and dialogue in order to accelerate the energy transition in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This follows on from the publication of the Commission’s Communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector as part of its Fisheries Package in February.

One of the objectives of the Commission’s Communication is that by 2024, the Commission – in close cooperation with the Energy Transition Partnership – will develop a roadmap for the energy transition of the sector towards climate neutrality by 2050.

Minister McConalogue welcomed the establishment of the Partnership and, in conclusion, said:

“Successfully transitioning to more sustainable energy sources will be a key factor in securing the sector's long-term viability. Therefore, we look forward to working with the Commission and the Partnership to develop the energy transition roadmap.”

Three national marine events take place in Limerick next week, involving offshore wind energy, aquaculture and the fishing industry.

On the eve of the Irish Skipper Expo at the University of Limerick (UL), IFA Aquaculture is hosting its annual conference and annual general meeting at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel in Castletroy on February 23rd.

Separately, Simply Blue offshore wind developers are hosting the second annual Seafarers’ Conference with the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) at the Castletroy Park, Hotel, also on February 23rd.

The Irish Skipper Expo runs over two days at UL from Friday, February 24th-25th.

Minister for Marine Charlie McConalogue and newly appointed BIM chief executive Caroline Bocquel are keynote speakers at the IFA Aquaculture conference, which will hear about BIM support for the industry, the carbon footprint of the Irish aquaculture sector, licensing and marine protected areas (MPAs).

Ms Bocquel is also participating in the Seafarers’ Conference, on the theme “Thriving Fishing, Thriving Offshore Wind, Thriving Ports and Coastal Communities – Can We Do It?”

The in-person and online conference will hear from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation Simon Harris by video-link.

Scientists, fishing industry representatives, offshore wind developers and consultants and Government officials will participate in the one-day event, which will focus on how the fishing industry and offshore wind can co-exist.

Over 140 companies and Government agencies will be participating in The Irish Skipper Expo, with the latest fishing vessel designs on display along with exhibits by the Irish Coast Guard, BIM and others.

Full details of all three events are on the links below

https://www.ifa.ie/agmaqua/

https://simplybluegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NMCI-Seafarers-Conference-2023-Programme.pdf

https://theskipper.ie/doors-open-one-week-today-irish-skipper-expo-2023/

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue today welcomed the decision by the EU Commission to adopt the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme 2021-27 for Ireland.

“I am pleased to announce that today the EU Commission has adopted the €258 million EMFAF Seafood Development Programme which envisages significant funding in our seafood sector and our coastal communities. These communities have faced extraordinary challenges in recent times, particularly due to Brexit and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. In 2021, I established the Seafood Task Force to make recommendations to address the challenges arising from these events and I have since announced €225 million in supports utilising the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. This new programme provides for additional, longer term supports to enable our seafood sector to engage in transformational change and for our coastal communities to thrive.”

The EMFAF supports the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the EU Maritime Policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. Building on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020, it provides supports to achieve food security through the supply of seafood products, growth of a sustainable blue economy and healthy, safe and sustainably managed seas and oceans.

Minister McConalogue in the preparations for the new EMFAF Seafood Development Programme, which runs up to 2027, has secured an increase in overall funding over the previous EMFF programme. The new EMFAF Seafood Development Programme envisages funding up to €258.4 million, which includes a €134 million EU contribution and a Government of Ireland contribution of €116 million.

The EMFAF Programme aims to support a diverse range of activities within the marine area. For fisheries, the Programme will support capital investment on board, capital investment ashore relating to the landing obligation, innovation in fishing gear and methods, technical advice to the fleet, acquisition of first vessel by young fishers, supports to the inshore fleet, training and marketing.

For aquaculture, the Programme will support implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture. This will include in particular support for capital investment in aquaculture sites, supports for innovation and research to develop technology and enhance knowledge, advisory services, training and marketing.

For processing, the Programme will support capital investment in seafood processing enterprises, in particular to add value to raw material, enhance energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and enhance competitiveness. It will also support innovation to develop new products, advisory services, marketing and training.

The Programme will support the socio-economic development and diversification of coastal communities through the seven Fisheries Local Action Groups. This will carry on from the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme, implemented through the FLAGs over 2022/23, but will also have a broader remit to support community type projects.

The Programme will support Ireland's environmental obligations through a continuation of the EMFF Marine Biodiversity Scheme. This will fund appropriate assessment of fisheries and aquaculture activities, reporting on the Marine Strategy framework Directive, projects in support of the CFP, and species and habitat restoration.

The Programme will support enhancement of Ireland's knowledge of its marine environment, particularly in terms of enhancing knowledge of climate change impacts on fish stocks, habitats and species.

Lastly, the Programme will fund Ireland's compliance with its obligations under the CFP, specifically for fisheries protection and for fisheries management science. Minister McConalogue added:

“The programme has been developed in cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure we can help our seafood sector and coastal communities to maximise their potential while protecting our marine environment and its rich biodiversity.”

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 was established by EU regulation (508/2014). Ireland’s EMFF Programme was adopted in 2015 and was co-funded by the European Union and Government of Ireland. Through this joint funding €240 million was allocated to the programme.

Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue T.D, today delivered a record Budget provision for the seafood sector and coastal communities for 2023 of €335 million. The allocation represents a 62% increase in funding from 2022. This covers fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, fishery harbour development, marine research and conservation.

Commenting, Minister McConalogue said “Today's €335 million budget announcement for the seafood sector and coastal communities represents the largest ever annual budget provision for the sector. Over the past year I have announced a range of schemes worth €225 million, funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, designed to support the seafood sector and coastal communities in overcoming the impact of Brexit. These schemes will run for the remainder of this year and for 2023 and the budget provision that the Government is making today will enable these schemes to be fully delivered. The schemes reflect the recommendations of the Seafood Task Force, which I established, and which are designed to ensure that the seafood sector and coastal communities post Brexit will continue to generate economic growth and sustainable jobs in coastal communities. Having listened to fishing representatives, and at their request, I established a second tie-up scheme worth €12m for this year to help alleviate fishers' marine fuel pressures. This Budget will include supports for energy costs for seafood processors.”

The schemes which have been implemented on foot of the Task Force recommendations are:

• Temporary Tie-Up 2021 €10m
• Inshore Fisheries Business Model Adjustment Scheme €3.7m
• Inshore Marketing Scheme €1m
• Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme €35m
• Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme €25m
• Seafood Capital Processing Support Scheme €45m
• Temporary Tie-Up 2022 Scheme €24m
• Brexit Co-operative Transition Scheme € 1m
• Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme €20m
• Brexit Voluntary Decommissioning Scheme [open 12 9 22] €60m
• Total of Seafood Taskforce Scheme announcements to date €224.7m

In addition, the Minister advised, “I am continuing to work on progressing the remaining recommendations of the Seafood Task Force. These schemes are being prepared at present, and I will be seeking to progress them to EU State Aid approval over the coming period.”

EU funding under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for the period 2021-2027 is being progressed separately. This support is an enabler for sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biological resources, for food security through the supply of seafood products, for the growth of a sustainable blue economy and for healthy, safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed seas and oceans.

Minister McConalogue said, “I have recently secured Government approval for Ireland's €258 million Operational Programme for the seafood sector for the period 2021 to 2027. This programme is in addition to the €225 million worth of schemes that I have announced on foot of the Seafood Task Force recommendations. Today’s budget announcement for 2023 will enable the implementation of the Seafood Task Force recommendations and the new EMFAF Operational Programme during 2023.”

A number of important broader horizontal initiatives announced in the Government’s budget will also assist the seafood sector and coastal communities over the coming year. Commenting, the Minister said, “In discussion with industry over recent weeks, I am aware of the energy and fuel pressures facing fishers, aquaculture operators and processors. I am confident that measures such as the extra tie-up scheme, which was requested by the industry to alleviate Brexit impacts compounded by fuel pressures, will help fishers and the energy supports schemes announced by Government today will support processors.”

Aquaculture businesses will “no longer be profitable” without significant supports to cope with “spiralling input costs”, a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture has heard.

The issues were highlighted by a delegation from IFA Aquaculture at this week’s committee hearing on Wednesday, September 21st.

Earlier this year, the European Commission activated a crisis mechanism within the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to enable member states to grant financial compensation to aquaculture operators for income foregone and additional costs due to the current market disruption.

Funding to support fuel costs borne by the commercial fishing industry could also be drawn from this, according to the Commission, but so far the Government has failed to act on this.

IFA Aquaculture said it is “calling on the Government to consider these funding mechanisms made available by the European Commission to assist aquaculture operators affected by these severe cost increases... without delay”.

“It’s critical that a single piece of legislation is brought forward to implement and underpin appropriate aquaculture policy and bring together all the existing primary, secondary and amended legislation in one single provision,” Michael Mulloy of IFA Aquaculture said.

To achieve the objectives and specific actions outlined in the Seafood Development Programme 2021-2027, there must be “an immediate effort made to reform, modernise, and improve the aquaculture licensing system”, he added.

“Reducing the administrative burden and having an efficient, transparent aquaculture licensing system is of benefit to regulators, the industry and aquaculture stakeholders alike,” he said.

The Oireachtas committee hearing can be watched from 1.42 minutes here