IFA Aquaculture welcomes initiative

A DECISION to set up a group to oversee a long-awaited seafood strategy initiative has been praised by the body representing the €110 million Irish aquaculture sector.

IFA Aquaculture executive secretary Richie Flynn welcomed the initiative, which Marine Minister John Browne announced in Killybegs yesterday, and the appointment of Dr Noel Cawley, Joey Murrin and Ruan O’Bric to oversee the process. Mr Flynn said there are many long-standing problems in the sector which need to be urgently addressed to have a vibrant and economically sustainable industry based on valuable natural resources.

Among the issues IFA Aquaculture will be seeking to have included in the review will be a radical overhaul of licensing policy and process to remove logjams, and a well-resourced and market-led approach to funding for the industry under the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2012.

Other issues include the strengthening of the scope and role of the locally based CLAMS co-ordination process and improved local services in development, training, monitoring and research.

Significant support for professional marketing of seafood products by BIM, especially for the home market, niche quality assured products and the removal of bureacracy and unnecessary red tape across all aspects of the industry will be sought.

IFA Aquaculture is also seeking the protection of inshore areas from pollution, recognition of aquaculture’s frontline role in protecting the coast and strong and meaningful R and D support for practical, industry-led research using the resources contributed to the Marine Institute.