Status of Irish Aquaculture 2006

Abstract

This is the fourth annual report reviewing the status of Irish aquaculture (see Parsons et al. 2004, Parsons et al. 2005, and Browne et al. 2006). As with the previous reports it has been produced in collaboration with the three main State agencies that provide support services in the areas of research and development to the industry – Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Marine Institute (MI) and Údarás na Gaeltachta/ Taighde Mara Teoranta (TMT). The objectives of this report are: (1) To provide an objective and comprehensive source of information on the status of Irish aquaculture in 2006. (2) To show trends in the production, employment, export and market statistics for the Irish industry in 2006. (3) To summarise the current licensing activity, which is the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. (4) To present the results of 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. (5) To highlight the various research and development initiatives in the area of aquaculture that are underway in the various State agencies and third-level institutions. (6) To collate information about Irish aquaculture training. (7) To report on issues/events/initiatives that occurred during the year 2006. (8) To review the impact of the National Development Plan (2000 to 2006) on Irish Aquaculture. (9) To present summaries of pertinent aquaculture reports published during 2006. (10) To provide an introduction to Aquaculture in Northern Ireland. The overall aim of the report is to provide useful reference material for the industry, trade customers, investors, researchers and interested parties.