Status of Irish Aquaculture 2003

Abstract

This is the first joint report on the status of Irish aquaculture, which has been produced in collaboration by the three main State agencies that provide support services in the areas of research and development to the industry – Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Marine Institute and Taighde Mara. The value of industry output was over €1 billion in the period from 1990 to 2003 and this represents a significant socio economic impact in the coastal areas of the south and west coast. The aims of the report are to: (1) provide an objective and comprehensive source of information on the status of Irish aquaculture in 2003; (2) show the main trends in the production, employment and market statistics for the Irish industry in 2003; (3) summarize the current licensing activity which is the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; (4) show the wide range of monitoring programmes for farmed shellfish and finfish which are carried out primarily by the Marine Institute, in accordance with Irish and EU food safety and environmental requirements; and (5) highlight the various research and development initiates in the area of aquaculture, which are underway in the agencies and third-level institutions.