Ireland’s seafood industry assesses sustainability in new report

IRELAND – Ireland’s seafood development agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), is releasing its first-ever sustainability report on the country’s aquaculture industry, detailing its environmental and economic footprint.

The report is based on data collected between 2017 and 2019 and sets a benchmark for evaluating the sustainability of salmon, rope mussel, and oyster farming. 

It assesses these sectors using four key dimensions: environmental impact, economic performance, social factors, and innovation.

Dr. Ronan Cooney, the report’s lead author, stated that the findings would serve as a reference point for industry stakeholders and policymakers. 

He emphasized that the report offers accessible data that businesses can integrate into their sustainability strategies.

BIM developed the report to help industry players track their sustainability performance and identify areas for improvement. 

Cooney noted that the insights provided would support the sector in adapting to future production demands.

Environmental and Economic Insights

BIM’s analysis indicates that aquaculture products in Ireland require minimal resources while maintaining quality. 

The sector produces enough seafood to provide over 154 million meals annually.

The environmental performance of salmon, rope mussel, and oyster farming has been relatively strong, though some fluctuations were recorded from year to year. 

Cooney stated that while the industry has performed well, variations in environmental metrics highlight the need for continued monitoring.

On the economic front, the report presents a mixed picture. 

Gross Value Added (GVA), a measure of economic contribution, has declined in some areas. 

However, the sales value per unit of production has increased, reflecting a shift in market dynamics.

Workforce Challenges and Innovation

The social aspect of the report shows both progress and challenges. 

Employment levels and wage multipliers have shown positive trends, but issues such as an ageing workforce and low recruitment rates remain concerns. 

The report also notes that gender diversity in the sector is limited.

Despite these challenges, the industry has shown a high level of innovation. 

Companies have adopted new organizational structures and improved process controls to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

BIM stated that the report’s findings will contribute to Ireland’s National Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture. 

The agency aims to use this data to guide future policies and support the industry’s long-term viability.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.