Following the successful SeaFest maritime event in Ringaskiddy at the weekend that highlighted the significant potential of the ‘Blue Economy’ most notably, the rising demand for Irish seafood; Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency will be launching a social media campaign today (13th July) to call on more young people to consider the sector as a viable career option.
Utilising video profiles of five industry people, previewed at the SeaFest event on Saturday, the campaign features an Oyster Farmer, Seafood Technologist, Marine Engineer, Skipper and Research and Development Manager.
Worth over €850 million to the economy annually with a target of €1.5 billion sales by 2025, the sector is moving from a traditional bulk led commodity industry to an innovative growth industry with an excellent reputation on key international markets, particularly Asia, with exports increasing to this important market by a staggering 24% last year to €42 million.
Michael Keatinge, Interim CEO and Director of Fisheries & Training Development explains how careers and upskilling are integral to achieving further growth in the next ten years; ‘In order for the Seafood Sector to realise its full potential; new entrants and skills are vital along with the necessary investment in technology and training. As the global demand for new innovative added value seafood products increases, the Irish Seafood Sector is changing and evolving to meet this consumer demand with a transition from a largely male dominated industry to a sector that also includes expertise on innovation and new product development. This new focus on seafood technology, marketing and food science is attracting more women into the sector and in general a younger skill base that will drive and protect the industry in the years ahead’
BIM would like to thank all the industry people that supported and appeared in the videos for the careers campaign including; Gary Lamph and Kian Louet-Feisser from Carlingford Oyster Company; Jane Kennedy, Research & Development Manager, Keohane’s Seafoods; Paul Sheehan, Marine Engineer; Aileen Deasy, Seafood Technologist, BIM Seafood Development Centre and Skippers Paul O’Sullivan and Ivan Toole.
For more information on career options in the Irish Seafood Sector and to see our first of the videos featuring Jane Kennedy, Research and Development Manager, Keohane Seafoods, please visit our dedicated careers page on www.bim.ie
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For further information, please contact Hazel Dobbyn, BIM Communications, 01-2144192/087 4190341
Notes to Editor:
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board is the Irish State agency with responsibility for developing the Irish Sea Fishing and Aquaculture industries. BIM provides commercially relevant and innovative services to the Irish seafood industry that drive growth opportunities, add value, enhance competitiveness and create jobs in a sustainable, natural resource based industry for the benefit of coastal communities. www.bim.ie
