Potential for significant growth in aquaculture says Minister

When opening a major conference last week, organised by Bórd Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) – that focused on innovation and sustainability in the seafood industry, Minister Killeen identified the fish farming sector as offering potential for significant growth. He said that he is committed to addressing the current challenges so that the full potential of aquaculture can be realised.Minister Killeen also set out the work he is doing with Commissioner Borg and his colleagues in the Council of Ministers to get agreement for an EU funded package of emergency measures for fishermen He said Ministers had also discussed with the Commission the need to develop a new EU strategy with the Commission for the expansion of the aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand for seafood in the EU market. During the discussions, the Minister outlined a number of matters at EU level which need to be addressed at Commission level to get a co-ordinated EU effort to the development of this industry which is important for the coastal communities.