IFA AQUACULTURE CONFERENCE CONNACHT HOTEL, GALWAY 26TH SEPT

Teresa Morrissey

IFA Aquaculture Executive

IFA AQUACULTURE – NEW STRUCTURE

•Consolidated group representing all sectors of Irish Aquaculture industry: • Fish

• Shellfish

• Seaweeds

•Restructured Levy payment system – based on % of annual turnover

•Innovative approach in representing the interests and concerns of the aquaculture industry in Ireland

•Supporting improvement and development of the Irish aquaculture industry

•Protection of Irish indigenous aquaculture industry

•Promoting positive aspects of Irish aquaculture

•Strong industry representation nationally and internationally

REPRESENTATION

•International / EU Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC)

European Mollusc Producers Association (EMPA)

Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP)

International Salmon Farmers Association (ISFA)

Bluefish Project Advisory group – collaboration between Ireland & Wales

•National

• Marine Spatial Planning Advisory group

• Molluscan Shellfish Safety Committee (MSSC)

• Bottom Mussel forum

• EMMF Operational Programme Monitoring Committee

• Certified Quality Aquaculture (CQA) Oversight Board

• Aquabusiness Steering group

KEY POLICIES

•Implementation of Aquaculture licensing review recommendations• Streamlined aquaculture licensing system

Clear commitment from the Minister with regard to an implementation plan

Prioritise & clear timelines for each of the recommendations

•Marine Spatial Planning Advisory group – representative for aquaculture industry contributing to the preparation of framework for Marine Spatial planning.

•Development of Irish Aquaculture industry – support improvement of aquaculture production techniques, innovation & development of new technologies

•Public Image of Aquaculture – highlight the positive aspects of Irish Aquaculture; engage general public and increase overall understanding of aquaculture: Social media platforms

Local & National Media

BIM Aquaculture Remote Classroom (ARC) & Taste the Atlantic Seafood Trail

CHALLENGES FOR AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY• Brexit• Live imports/exports of fish & shellfish - Border Inspection Post (BIP)? Customs clearance?

• Access to UK markets/customers – Existing/New markets

• Feed shortages - issues availability of feed; stockpiling - added costs

• Insurance cover - spoilage of produce in the event inevitable transportation delays

• Transport – logistics of transport of goods via the UK

• Aquaculture Licensing System• Implementation of Aquaculture licensing review recommendations

Streamlined, transparent aquaculture licensing system

Time to focus on progressive priorities – discussion & engagement of recommendations

• Develop & Sustain Aquaculture industry• need to protect indigenous industry

• ownership of natural resource for next generation

• succession planning – measures for next steps

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY

•Resilient industry – despite challenges Aquaculture has continued to strive:• Innovative management practices – research by state agencies

•New technologies & developments in aquaculture practices

•Aquabusiness Higher Diploma course: Course content now available as individual modules

Funding available through BIM administered EMFF funding

Further info & details available for anyone interested

•Role to play in Sustainable food production: • Increasing global demand for seafood

• Increased demand for Sustainable source of protein

• Increased demand for carbon efficient sources of protein

➢Aquaculture can help meet this demand – potential must be realised

AQUACULTURE POLICY

•2015: FoodWise 2025 published in July 2015

•2015: National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development – published 23rd Oct 2015 -24 actions to be implemented by 2020

•2017: Independent Aquaculture Licensing Review – published May 2017 –commissioned arising from FoodWise 2025 and National Strategic Plan

•2017: Mid-term Review – National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

•Current Programme for Partnership Government

•All Support Development of Sustainable Aquaculture……..

FURTHER ENGAGEMENT

Government departments and industry stakeholders – better working relationship and increased engagement.

Ensure realisation of economic potential and sustainable future of the Irish aquaculture industry

IFA Aquaculture will play a pivotal role in driving this engagement

•With Your Support!

• IFA Aquaculture AGM – This Afternoon - Have your say!

THANK YOU