Value of Irish oysters revealed
A new report by top agri-food economist, Professor Alan Renwick, reveals that oysters contribute €58 million to Ireland’s rural economy and support a total of 760 full time jobs.
The report also suggests that €6 million and an additional 77 jobs can be produced with every 10% increase oyster in production.
The Chairman of the Irish Shellfish Association (a part of IFA) which commissioned the report, Jerry Gallagher, said: “The challenges for the sector primarily arise in relation to regulation and licensing, in particular the processing of applications for new and renewed sites. Shellfish stock health and food safety requires ongoing attention with continuously improving water quality in our inshore areas being the key to the future of the sector. Oysters are so highly dependent on clean water for every aspect of their business that the sector is effectively Ireland’s first line of defence against threats to our coastal environment”.
Alan Renwick’s recommendations, following extensive study of the situation, which included on-site interviews and visits to farms around the coast, are strong and pragmatic and should be the compass for the sector in the medium term to grow successfully. The recommendations include simplifying regulation, the introduction of contingency plans, strengthening the market identity and creating more added value outlets. He also encourages more effort in terms of improving technical efficiencies and greater collaboration between producers on common issues.
Jerry Gallagher added: “Each subsector of the seafood industry has its peaks and troughs and oyster farming is no exception. It is vital that the government supports the sector in times of crisis such as during the current very serious vibrio mortality issue or when Karenia blooms hit certain bays during the summer months. However, the medium to long-term analysis of the industry here shows the huge potential for us to grow and market a unique seafood product internationally based on a significant network of people and businesses at local level. We continue to rely on the best advice available from both BIM and the Marine Institute to deal with challenges posed by the environment but our goal is to become a self-sustaining, export-led business, beating off any competition by virtue of the quality of our shellfish and our coastal waters.”
The full report can be downloaded from the IFA website in the Aquaculture section at http://www.ifa.ie/sectors/aquaculture/oysters-in-the-national-economy/
