A challenging period for Irish aquaculture sector
Difficulties and direction to be discussed at conference next month
IFA Aquaculture, which represents fin fish and shellfish farmers in Ireland, has opened registration for its annual conference and annual general meeting in Limerick next month.
“There have been many challenges for the Irish aquaculture sector in recent months, with many Irish aquaculture producers struggling to deal with the rising cost of inputs, market instability and logistics,” said chairman Michael Mulloy.
“This event will allow members to engage and discuss the policy priorities for Irish aquaculture for the year ahead.”
A new policy document, IFA Aquaculture – Best Practice Guidance & Information on Aquaculture Licensing, Legislative Responsibilities & Environmental Objectives, will be launched at the event, which will be held at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Castletroy, on Thursday, 23 February.
A full agenda and key speakers will be announced shortly.
Strategic plan
Topics will include an update on 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 Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Aquaculture Information Management System (AquaMIS) project. The online viewer will allow members of the public to freely access and view licensed aquaculture sites and mapping information through a public portal.
Following the conference, IFA Aquaculture members will meet in the afternoon for their AGM.
Registration for the IFA Aquaculture Conference is now open. Tickets, which cost €20, are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be purchased in advance here.
