Seafood Taskforce
A thriving and dynamic Irish aquaculture sector, not limited by quota, has the potential to mitigate some of the damage caused by the TCA through providing opportunities in the seafood sector that would otherwise be lost, while creating jobs and economic activity in our coastal communities.
The final report of the Seafood Sector which was presented to the Minister yesterday, Mon 11th October 2021, which recommended a proposed €60m fund for Irish Aquaculture, to be funded primarily from Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund.
The report describes a ‘thriving and dynamic Irish aquaculture sector, not limited by quota, has the potential to mitigate some of the damage caused by the TCA through providing opportunities in the seafood sector that would otherwise be lost, while creating jobs and economic activity in our coastal communities.’
The Seafood Taskforce report contains recommendations regarding funding being made available for initiatives in the Irish Aquaculture sector required to overcome the impact of Brexit while achieving the objectives outlined the EU Strategic guidelines on sustainable aquaculture development.
It outlines initiatives aimed to ‘Develop Irish aquaculture to mitigate against the negative impacts of Brexit that have been most pronounced in other sectors of the Irish seafood industry’ through:
- modernisation of production sites in line with international best practice
- Increase resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact
- advance understanding of market opportunities and innovation capability
- develop technical, marketing and management capability
IFA Aquaculture was a member of the Seafood Taskforce attending 14 meetings since it was first convened in March 2021, with numerous discussions, proposals and submissions having taken place throughout that time. Further engagement with IFA Aquaculture, BIM and DAFM officials will be needed to progress the recommended initiatives, to establish appropriates funding schemes and ensure Irish Aquaculture receives the support it deserves.
