August 22, 2022
Public consultation sought for draft of Ireland's 2030 sustainable aquaculture development plan
Stakeholders are being invited to make submissions on a draft of Ireland's National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030.
The plan provides a strategy for the sustainable development of aquaculture in Ireland over the next decade and has been developed using a food systems approach in line with Food Vision 2030. It envisages an increasing partnership between the public and private sector to achieve the four overarching objectives as established by the new EU Strategic Guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period of 2021 to 2030.
On opening the consultation, Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland, said: "The aquaculture sector has become a key part of Ireland's seafood industry and has become a significant contributor to food supply for the Irish and export markets. This plan will provide a roadmap to allow the sector to reach its potential in a sustainable manner, while also creating jobs and new opportunities for seafood businesses."
The plan was developed to build on the preceding plan which ran from 2015 to 2020 and aims to mainstream guidance for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture (2021 – 2030) into national aquaculture sector planning, inform the investment priorities for aquaculture in Ireland's new Seafood Development Programme 2021-27 (EMFAF) and ensure that strategic planning for the aquaculture sector in Ireland responds to the latest thinking in terms of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Irish aquaculture in order to promote the development of a sustainable and forward-looking sector.
The plan is based on four strategic objectives, including building resilience and competitiveness, participating in the green transition, ensuring social acceptance and consumer information, and increasing knowledge and innovation, with a significant number of actions under each.
McConalogue added: "My recent announcement of the €20 million (US$20 million) Brexit Sustainable Aquaculture Growth Scheme will provide immediate stimulus for aquaculture businesses to grow and meet the growing demand for Irish seafood. However, we also need to take a longer-term view on how aquaculture in Ireland can continue to develop into a more resilient and competitive industry, while also ensuring our coasts and natural environment are protected. The draft National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030 contains actions to contribute to these important aims"
- Government of Ireland