Aquaculture value increases in Ireland

THERE was a strong recovery in fish and shellfish farming production in Ireland last year, according to the latest Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) figures.

BIM chief executive Tara McCarthy highlighted the statistics at the IFA (Irish Farmers’ Tara McCarthy Association) organised national shellfish conference in Athlone, Co Westmeath, reported the Irish Examiner.

These revealed that the industry increased in value by 34 million in 2015 to a first point of sale figure of almost

150 million.

Overall production volumes rose by more than 25 per cent to 40,140 tonnes, with employment stabilising at 1,840.

McCarthy said the market for Irish oysters in Hong Kong and China was actively targeted in a collective manner by Irish producers, with the assistance of BIM.

Irish oysters have received a warm welcome, commanding a premium price in the Chinese and Hong Kong markets and are now the highest priced in this region.

Last year, oyster farming employed 775 people in coastal areas. Over 90 per cent of Irish oysters are exported, the majority going to France. However, 2015 saw 10 per cent of Irish oyster exports going to Hong Kong and China.

The shellfish conference followed a recent prediction by agri-food economist professor Alan Renwick that a further increase of 6 million and an extra 77 jobs can be produced with every 10 per cent increase in production.

A poll carried out last year found a significant increase in local residents being happy to see aquaculture in their own locality. The figure was up from 27 per cent (2008) to 49 per cent (2015). Jan Sverre R