Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Seafish UK recently joined forces to run a five day Advanced Fish Quality Assessment Course for the seafood industry in BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
Image: Fiona O’Rourke, Keohane’s Seafood, Frances O’Dwyer, BIM, Gerard Collier, Fisherman’s Catch, Tim Dewhirst, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Barry Cody, Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-op and Michelle O’Neill, Kingfisher Fresh Limited
Taking place from the 11 – 15 May, this is the first time such an extensive course has been organised for the industry and both agencies were delighted with the demand for this level of training evident with places booked well in advance. Participants came from all sectors of the seafood industry including representatives from Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co–op, Green Isle Foods, Keohanes Seafoods as well as BIM’s Young Fishmonger 2015, Gerard Collier.
Many of the participants were already competent in fish quality assessment and this course provided an opportunity to assert and enhance their knowledge and skills as well as providing formal training on the Torry and the Quality Index Method (QIM) assessment schemes. These schemes are widely recognised as the most effective means of objectively assessing fish quality and determining shelf-life.
Participants were given an opportunity to assess the quality of key fish species including cod, megrim, mackerel and salmon using both theory and practical sessions. Well trained and knowledgeable staff are key to meeting customer specifications and will help ensure that the business receives full economic benefit for premium product.
Frank Fleming of Community Supported Seafood Ltd, was one of the participants on the course; “I found this course really interesting and informative. The skills we learned can be applied to all parts of the supply chain from catching and processing right through to retail and foodservice. I think it would be very valuable to make this type of training available to the Irish seafood industry”.
The course was delivered by Adrian Barratt Senior Quality Assessment Trainer with Seafish UK assisted by John Hackett, Regional Business Development Advisor and Eileen Soraghan Seafood Quality Officer with BIM.
For further information on Fish Quality Assessment courses, please contact Eileen Soraghan, BIM, on 01-2144112 or soraghan@bim.ie
