IRISH SEAFOOD exports are projected to grow by 13 per cent to a value of €420 million, but Minister for the Marine, Simon Coveney, says the sector is suffering from a “lack of scale”.
Seafood companies should work towards creating a new Irish-owned European seafood hub, devised by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the sea fisheries board, Mr Coveney said.
The fisheries board believes the Irish sector is well placed to avail of growing world demand for seafood – due to increase by 42 million tonnes annually by 2030.
Speaking at a Bord Iascaigh Mhara seminar for the sector yesterday, Mr Coveney prefaced his remarks by expressing sympathy for the families of the five fishermen who died in the Tit Bonhomme twin rig trawler sinking in west Cork.
He paid tribute to the rescue and community efforts, and said the loss of life illustrated how dangerous the industry was.
Mr Coveney referred to the potential for developing the “excellent natural resource” around the coastline, but expressed concern that only 40 of some 138 seafood companies working here had a turnover of over €5 million.
Jason Whooley, chief executive of the sea fisheries board, confirmed his board is finalising a licence application for a deep sea fish farm off the Aran islands.