Marine Institute Open Access Repository

The Stock Book is the principal annual publication of the Marine Institute's Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services (FEAS). Its purpose is to provide the latest impartial scientific advice on the commercially exploited fish stocks of interest to Ireland. The Stock Book is used by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - (DAFM) at the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) negotiations with the EU in December and throughout the year at fisheries management meetings.

The Marine Institute is the national agency for marine research, technology, development and innovation. It seeks to assess and realise the economic potential of Ireland’s marine resource, promote sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programmes and essential scientific services, as well as safeguard Ireland’s natural marine resource through research and environmental monitoring. Ireland has a marine area of approximately 880,000 km2 under the sea, which is over 10 times its land area, representing an enormous seabed and marine resource. The Marine Institute promotes the sustainable development of this vast resource through research, the application of new technologies and by providing credible science-based advice to industry, the Government and the EU.

Ireland’s Ocean Economy Report, 2025, provides an update on Ireland’s ocean economy across three main economic indicators: turnover, gross value added (GVA) and employment. It provides an analysis of trends over a five-year period and a commentary on rates of change over a ten-year timeframe. The report is accompanied by an online dashboard, where data trends can be accessed. The 2025 Ocean Economy Report is the ninth in the ocean economy series. Ireland’s ocean economy statistics are based on nominal values.

The Marine Ireland Industry Network (MIIN) Feasibility Study assesses the potential for MIIN to evolve from an informal network into a formal, industry-led cluster organisation supporting Ireland’s blue economy. Funded under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, the study comprised three components: a Feasibility Analysis Study (led by Cluster Centre Ireland), member consultations, and this synthesis report providing a combined assessment and outlining recommendations and a roadmap for MIIN’s future direction. Findings show strong industry demand for a structured, professionally managed cluster to address shared challenges, foster innovation, and improve access to funding and skills. The report recommends a phased move to a strategy-led cluster with initial public support and a clear path to blended public–private funding. MIIN is well positioned to become a sustainable, industry-led national cluster, enhancing collaboration and competitiveness in Ireland’s marine sector.