Investment in seafood industry nets increase
New investment by the industry across the catching, aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors also reached record levels during the year.
These were among the main conclusions of BIM’s annual review of 2002, which was presented to Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Minister Dermot Ahern in Dublin.
The Irish market for seafood was valued at €307 million at the final point of sale, which is up by 10% on the previous year.
Outstripping the retail sector, sales of seafood in the food service sector have now grown to the point where they account for 54% of the home market. Per capita consumption was estimated at 17 kg live weight in 2002.
Irish seafood exports are estimated to have increased marginally to €436.5 million in 2002 compared to €433.4 million in the previous year.
Sales to EU countries accounted for 76% of the total with France continuing to be the most important market where exports were almost €100 million.
At EU level, the most significant development was the completion in December of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy.
This provided for the continuation of existing allocation mechanisms in determining Irish catch quotas and the retention of the six and twelve-mile exclusive fishing zones around Ireland.
It also provided for the introduction of limitations on the number of fishing days in part of the sea area off the north-west coast, the introduction of quotas for some deepwater species and the phasing out of EU grant aid for fleet renewal after 2004.
During the past year, BIM said it actively implemented the various National Development Plan programmes for the development of the fisheries, aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors.
Given the pressure on certain fish stocks, BIM, in partnership with the Department, the Marine Institute and the industry, said it devoted increased resources to fisheries conservation and stock recovery.
Despite these and other issues, new NDP grant approved investment across the catching, aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors of the industry reached a record €77 million in 2002.
The past year also saw an increased focus by BIM on safety standards, especially for sea-going personnel. Following the introduction of new mandatory standards in March, it reported a very encouraging up-take in safety training.
Pat Keogh, chief executive, said BIM was firmly focused on the effective implementation of the Government’s National Development Programme for the seafood industry.
“With continuing State and EU support and BIM’s integrated resource and market-led development approach, the industry can readily achieve the ambitious growth targets set for it up to 2006,” he said.
