One-stop-shop guide to Irish aquaculture licensing launched

The Irish Farmers’ Association (FIA) has launched what it says is the first fully comprehensive resource on licensing and environmental objectives for those operating in Ireland’s aquaculture sector.

IFA Aquaculture chairman Michael Mulloy said: “Those in the sector know our obligations under multiple EU Directives and national legislation. However, until now, there has never been a guide that brought all relevant information together in a ‘one-stop-shop’ format. This can prove challenging for people keen to ensure they meet the highest standards and adhere to multiple regulations and directives.

“This guide removes any uncertainty and sets out exactly what producers seeking aquaculture licence renewals, and new applicants, must undertake to be fully compliant. It is a living document that will be continually updated if and when legislation changes.”

The policy guide was developed by IFA Aquaculture and Aquacence, a licensing consultancy run by former Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Aquaculture Licensing Division official Kevin Hodnett.

Immediate action needed

It was launched at the IFA annual conference in Limerick yesterday, at which IFA president Tim Cullinan called on the government to prioritise immediate action to implement a functioning aquaculture licensing system.

Irish aquaculture is worth €180 million to the Irish economy, providing almost 2,000 direct jobs and contributing to 8,500 indirect jobs in the seafood sector, sustaining coastal communities. Most of the value comes from organic salmon farming, but shellfish farming also plays an important role in sustaining coastal communities.

Topics covered at the conference included the next EMFAF (European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) programme, the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture, the carbon footprint of the Irish aquaculture sector, marine protected areas and the DAFM’s Aquaculture Information Management System (AquaMIS) project, which will enable members of the public to freely access and view licensed aquaculture sites and mapping information through a public portal.

Licensing 'a key priority'

Mulloy said: “There have been many challenges for the Irish aquaculture sector in recent months, with many producers struggling to deal with the rising cost of inputs, market instability and logistics. This event allows members to engage and discuss the policy priorities for the year ahead.

“Prioritising immediate action to implement a functioning aquaculture licensing system must be a key priority for any future development of the Irish aquaculture industry, including appropriate legislative changes required to facilitate this.”