Campaign to promote careers in seafood sector

A social media campaign, urging more young people to consider the seafood sector as a career option, was launched yesterday by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

It followed the successful weekend SeaFest in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, which highlighted the potential of the ‘blue economy’.

Video profiles of an oyster farmer, a seafood technologist, a marine engineer, a skipper, and a R&D manager are being used in the campaign.

Worth over €850m to the economy annually, with a target of €1.5bn sales by 2025, the sector is moving from a traditional bulk-led commodity industry to one with an innovative growth.

It has an excellent reputation on key international markets, particularly Asia, with exports to the region increasing 24% last year to €42m.

BIM interim chief executive Michael Keatinge said careers and upskilling are integral to further growth. New entrants and skills are vital along with the necessary investment in technology and training, he said.

“This new focus on seafood technology, marketing and food science is attracting more women into the sector and, in general, a younger skill base that will drive and protect the industry,” said Mr Keatinge.