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Ref:641/03 |
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united Kingdom
- Mar 28, 2003 |
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Investment in seafood
industry nets increase |
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By Ray
Ryan
BUOYANT markets enabled the Irish seafood
industry to achieve a small increase in domestic
and export sales in 2002.
New investment by the
industry across the catching, aquaculture,
processing and marketing sectors also reached
record levels during the year. |
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These were among the
main conclusions of BIM’s annual review of 2002,
which was presented to Communications, Marine and
Natural Resources Minister Dermot Ahern in Dublin.
The Irish market for seafood was valued at €307
million at the final point of sale, which is up by
10% on the previous year.
Outstripping the retail sector, sales of seafood
in the food service sector have now grown to the
point where they account for 54% of the home
market. Per capita consumption was estimated at 17
kg live weight in 2002.
Irish seafood exports are estimated to have
increased marginally to €436.5 million in 2002
compared to €433.4 million in the previous year.
Sales to EU countries accounted for 76% of the
total with France continuing to be the most
important market where exports were almost €100
million.
At EU level, the most significant development was
the completion in December of the review of the
Common Fisheries Policy.
This provided for the continuation of existing
allocation mechanisms in determining Irish catch
quotas and the retention of the six and
twelve-mile exclusive fishing zones around
Ireland.
It also provided for the introduction of
limitations on the number of fishing days in part
of the sea area off the north-west coast, the
introduction of quotas for some deepwater species
and the phasing out of EU grant aid for fleet
renewal after 2004.
During the past year, BIM said it actively
implemented the various National Development Plan
programmes for the development of the fisheries,
aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors.
Given the pressure on certain fish stocks, BIM, in
partnership with the Department, the Marine
Institute and the industry, said it devoted
increased resources to fisheries conservation and
stock recovery.
Despite these and other issues, new NDP grant
approved investment across the catching,
aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors of
the industry reached a record €77 million in 2002.
The past year also saw an increased focus by BIM
on safety standards, especially for sea-going
personnel. Following the introduction of new
mandatory standards in March, it reported a very
encouraging up-take in safety training.
Pat Keogh, chief executive, said BIM was firmly
focused on the effective implementation of the
Government’s National Development Programme for
the seafood industry.
“With continuing State and EU support and BIM’s
integrated resource and market-led development
approach, the industry can readily achieve the
ambitious growth targets set for it up to 2006,”
he said. |
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