Sustainability blueprint for Irish seafood industry
Ireland's Seafood Development Agency, BIM, has launched its first Environmental Sustainability Atlas, a comprehensive compendium of all the environmental activities in which it is engaged across the sea fishing, fish farming and seafood processing sectors.
The aim of the Atlas is to highlight the substantial work that is being done and to encourage the sector to engage with BIM on environmental aspects to ensure sustainability of the €1.1 billion sector of the Irish economy.
Improving environmental performance of the sector is at the heart of BIM strategy, which emphasis that the careful management and conservation of the ‘natural capital’ upon which the sector relies cannot be compromised.
BIM’s environmental initiatives range from energy and waste management to stewardship of the natural environment, continual improvement measured through the implementation of management systems, and achievement of an array of voluntary standards.
'Keystone for success'
Speaking at the launch of the Atlas, Jim O’Toole, CEO of BIM, said: "Sustainability has become the keystone for success in the modern seafood industry. The world’s best customers increasingly demand hard evidence of sustainability before they will buy. BIM understands this and has taken a leadership role in enabling Irish seafood producers to gain the necessary credentials for access to these opportunities. This creates a ‘win-win’ scenario ensuring there will be a bright future in Irish seafood today and for generations to come."
The Atlas outlines the significant work being undertaken in all aspects of the seafood supply chain under the key environmental headings of Water, Waste, Energy, Natural Capital and Biodiversity, and Visual Impact. In addition, it reviews how BIM works to improve and demonstrate Ireland's environmental performance, with a final chapter on future planning and initiatives.
The Sustainability Atlas will be regularly updated to benchmark BIM’s environmental work with the seafood sector and to chart future progress.
