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Taoiseach Enda Kenny today launched a Government plan to double the value of Ireland’s ocean wealth to 2.4% of GDP by 2030 and increase the turnover from our ocean economy to exceed €6.4bn by 2020. The report, ‘Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland’ was launched at the Marine Institute, Galway.

The plan presents a roadmap for the Government’s vision to tap into a €1,200 billion global market for seafood, tourism, oil and gas, renewable ocean energy and new applications for health, medicine and technology, and identifies fifteen actions for implementation in the period 2012-2014.

The Taoiseach said

This plan is a dynamic one and will ensure that our vision remains constant – to dramatically improve our ability as a nation and people to harness our ocean wealth. The Government is determined that it will be a key component of our economic recovery and sustainable growth generating social, economic and cultural benefits for all.

Agriculture, Food & Marine Minister Simon Coveney said:

For too long we have turned our backs on the sea and it’s time now to look to our ocean as a national asset, to harness the opportunities for economic recovery. We need to treasure what we have and protect it for future generations. We also need to build on the potential of our ocean wealth and what it can give back to its people. ‘Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth’ puts a structure in place to make that happen.

An integrated approach across Government is essential to the successful implementation of the plan. This ‘whole of Government initiative’ is under the supervision of the Marine Coordination Group chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Two Task Forces will be established to strengthen the role of the Marine Coordination Group, one to focus on enabling actions and one to focus on development actions. They will be drawn from the relevant Departments and Agencies as well as external participants.

Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth – An Integrated marine Plan for Ireland’ was informed and shaped by the views and opinions of a wide range of stakeholders who contributed to the consultation process during February and March this year during which over 190 submissions were received.

 An annual report will be published in 2014 and each year thereafter, to show the progress under Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth and an Annual National Seminar will be held.

Minister Coveney spoke to MerrionStreet.ie about the strategy:

The report is available to download from

Information video can be viewed on