A pilot initiative that encourages fishermen to take ashore litter they catch while at sea is being actively promoted by industry groups in three ports —Clogherhead, Co Louth, and Castletownbere and Union Hall in West Cork.

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).

Building exports and harnessing new markets will be critical to help Ireland’s seafood sector reach its target of generating €1bn in sales and creating 3,000 jobs, BIM has stated.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney has issued seasonal safety messages for farmers and fishermen.