The Irish fisheries industry provides jobs on fishing vessels, on fish farms, in processing operations, in distribution and marketing seafood at home and to export markets and in a large number of smaller ancillary companies that provide services to the mainstream industry operators.
The industry contributes about €700 million annually to national income through four main activities: fishing; fish farming; processing; and marketing.
To support the growth of the Irish seafood industry, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) provides assistance to businesses through a variety of services. Read on for more information on a range of these supports...
Get help developing your business
BIM has a number of regional officers, located around the coast, who provide hands on professional mentoring in business planning, identifying new market opportunities and branding, as well as advice on funding—all of which enable companies to grow more rapidly than they could alone.
Find out more about this service here.
Trialing innovative products
The Seafood Development Centre (SDC) offers businesses - both startups and established businesses - the opportunity to test and trial innovative product and process ideas in BIM's facilities, before committing to full commercialisation and capital investment costs. The SDC is integrated with BIM’s business planning services to ensure Irish seafood companies are provided with all necessary business development and innovation services.
Find out more about the SDC here.
Enhancing efficiency
Processing efficiency services can help your business increase its competitiveness and improve its revenue through more effective and efficient processes that save time, money and effort. They include help with energy savings and water conservation. Learn more here.
Want to save money and help the environment at the same time? The Green Seafood Business Programme can help Seafood Processors reduce the operating costs associated with three major environmental inputs: energy, water, and solid waste and packaging. Learn more here.
Looking for funding options?
BIM provide funding supports right across the seafood industry, from fishing safety to market quality. Get all the details here.
Get help with labelling
BIM provides assistance on labelling for farmed fish, and wild capture fish, working with businesses through the processes of certification. More information on these supports are available here.
Training supports
Check out BIM's website for a full schedule of induction training in basic food safety or to further develop your fish filleting techniques.
For more information
Learn more about Bord Iascaigh Mhara here.