IFA Aquaculture Welcomes Pivotal Decision for Salmon Farming

IFA Aquaculture welcomes the decision of the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board (ALAB) to grant an aquaculture licence to MOWI Ireland at their site in Shot Head in Bantry Bay.

IFA Aquaculture Executive Teresa Morrissey welcomed the news as a pivotal moment for the aquaculture sector.

“The development of a new aquaculture site at Shot Head in Bantry Bay for Irish Organic Salmon is a progressive move forward for the aquaculture industry. The €6m investment by MOWI Ireland will see eight jobs created.”

“The licensing decision for this site was appealed to ALAB in 2015, so the Board decision is a comprehensive one with consideration given to environmental objectives. This site development will proceed with significant investment in international best practice for salmon farming, ensuring the economic potential and sustainable development of the Irish aquaculture industry.” she said.

IFA also welcomed the launch of the National Marine Planning Framework by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin this morning,

This will provide the framework for the sustainable development of the sector, with a modern licensing and robust regulatory system.  This is a timely development for Irish Aquaculture, when progress is being made in the licensing system.

Irish Aquaculture provides essential employment for rural coastal communities with almost 2,000 direct jobs and over 16,000 indirect jobs.  The value of Irish Aquaculture is €180m; the majority of which (€120m) coming from Irish Organic Salmon production.

A sustainable Irish aquaculture sector has the potential to create employment opportunities and further enhance coastal communities, both through direct and indirect employment.