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Salmon farming. (Photo: BIM)
BIM applies for aquaculture licence for the first time
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Thursday, October 25, 2012, 04:00 (GMT + 9)
The Irish Sea Fisheries Board (BIM) has heard from 17 firms that are interested in operating its planned EUR 40 million-organic salmon farm off the coast of Co Clare.
Many of the firms are international, including some from Norway, stated Donal Maguire, head of aquaculture development at BIM.
“There is big interest in being the tenant for the project,” he said, The Irish Times reports.
The project will be located on two sites off the smallest of the Aran Islands, Inis Óirr, and produce 15,000 tonnes of organic salmon per year at maximum capacity, thereby doubling Ireland’s current salmon output.
“The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that, globally, an extra 42 million tonnes of farmed seafood will be required annually by the year 2030. Sustainable fish farming is one way to meet this global food need,” BIM wrote.
BIM’s 'Deep Sea Project' will give work to 350 people directly and a further 150 people indirectly, and contribute EUR 100 million in exports every year. The employees’ wages will generate EUR 14.5 million annually.
This project is the first of three deep-sea fish farms BIM was planning to build off Ireland’s coast. The other two are planned for sites off counties Mayo and Donegal, Maguire said.
The Board explained that by proposing the plan itself, it will ensure greater accountability to the public.
“Instead of the fish farming licence being given directly to a private company, we are applying for a salmon farm licence which, if issued, we will franchise to a commercial operator. The company will then be required to adhere to the already rigorous EU and Irish conditions, as well as additional layers of strict requirements that we’ve set,” BIM stated.
“This will ensure that the fish farms meet organic standards and demonstrate a real commitment to sustainable production,” the statement added.
If the application is approved, there would be “fish going to sea” at the fish farm in late 2013 or early 2014.
Maguire said the BIM plan would not be affected by the delay currently plaguing 528 aquaculture licence applications, which have been awaiting a decision for more than a year.
“We are fully compliant with the birds and habitats directive,” he said.
A decision on the application is due from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney in early 2013. The public is welcome to make submissions during the current eight-week consultation period.
By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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