Coveney seeks ideas for harnessing the potential of marine resources

A public consultation process on how to harness the potential of Ireland’s marine resource has been launched by Marine Minister Simon Coveney.

The Our Ocean Wealth project is intended to tap into a trillion euro global market for marine products and services, including seafood, tourism, shipping, oil and gas, renewable ocean energy and new applications for health, medicine and technology.

Mr Coveney said: “We need to change the way we in Ireland think about the sea and look for new opportunities to harness the potential of our 220m acre marine resource.

“We want your help to shape our plan, to shape our future and to assist in our drive towards our economic recovery.”

The industry currently generates 1.2% of GDP.