We publish a range of reports
Fisheries Publications October 2024
Fisheries Conservation Report
Findings of the National Seafood Survey 2024
September 2024
July 2024
May 2024
April 2024
February 2024
January 2024
31 January 2024
15 December 2023
7 December 2023
6 November 2023
BIM and the Irish fishing industry’s latest project on improving on board energy efficiency demonstrates substantial improvements in fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions by pairing up on demersal seine fishing operations
26 October 2023
A snapshot of Ireland’s fishery sector in 2023
13 October 2023
Study demonstrates that capture of clear video footage of catches is possible from within an Irish Nephrops trawl using image acquisition and sediment suppression systems.
October 2022
October 2023
Published in the Journal of Fisheries Research, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of pop-up satellite archival tags in assessing cod survival in a fly-shoot seine net fishery with major potential application to other species and fisheries.
16 June 2023
Study results demonstrated a 51% increase in haddock catches corresponding to an 64% increase in haddock catch value by using green LED lights on the trawl headline during night time. This is a simple inexpensive option for whitefish vessels to improve catch and energy efficiency.
3 May 2023
Developing Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)
EMFAF Operational Programme 2021 – 2027
31 March 2023
First testing of off-bottom trawl doors in the Irish Nephrops fishery demonstrates the potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce seabed impacts
20 March 2023
This report represents the most detailed economic assessment of the Irish small-scale fishing fleet (SSF) carried out to date.
Multiple data sources were used to assess the economic state of the SSF to understand fishing patterns, fleet structure, landing volumes, sales values and export patterns. The analysis assesses the economic state of the sector to determine whether current fishing is at this point profitable.
23 February 2023
This report, the first of its kind for the Irish Seafood sector, provides a carbon emission baseline for the sector.
22 December 2022
BIM and the Irish Fishing Industry’s latest gear trial demonstrates substantial increases in catch rates, energy efficiency and profitability by pairing up on fishing operations
15 November 2022
New cod tagging study delivers an innovative new survival assessment technique and supports the continued development of selective gears on board Irish vessels
05 October 2022
Common Fisheries Policy Report
26 September 2022
BIM Annual Fisheries Report 2022
11 August 2022
Modified rigging resulted in no reduction in whiting and haddock. Increases in Nephrops and reductions in rays and dogfish are encouraging but require further confirmation.
9 June 2022
A full-scale assessment of lights demonstrated a 65% reduction in low-quota cod. Substantial reductions in target species, however, suggest that lights are currently not a commercially viable option to further reduce unwanted catches on the raised-fishing line.
4 April 2022
Thanks to improved hydrodynamic characteristics and gear performance, the newly developed four-panel trawl has major potential to improve energy efficiency in the Nephrops fishery.
18 February 2022
Updated guide on solutions to reduce unwanted catches and boost fisheries sustainability and marine biodiversity
22nd December 2021
This trial of a new four-panel T90 codend with lastridge ropes demonstrated substantial reductions in small haddock and increases in larger haddock in the seine-net fishery. The gear has major potential to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of Irish demersal seine and trawl fisheries.
30th November 2021
Post-capture survival estimates of cuckoo ray (Leucoraja naevus) caught in an Irish otter trawl fishery ranged from 11 to 16%. Cuckoo ray catches are low but difficult to mitigate in the observed fishery. A risk-based approach should be considered in managing this issue in EU waters.
21st September 2021
This trial demonstrated effective separation of gurnard and other fish species into the upper part of the dual codend. A doubling in market sized fish catches makes the dual codend a sensible gear option for vessels targeting Nephrops and fish species.
4th August 2021
The results of this short trial demonstrate that side scan sonar imaging is a powerful tool enabling rapid visualisation and assessment of fishing gear modifications. This tool has major potential to assess gear modifications which aim to reduce bycatch, seabed impacts, and carbon emissions.
9th July 2021
This new four-panel ‘box trawl’ is highly effective in targeting Nephrops and facilitates large-scale changes in mesh size. Extended areas of enlarged mesh in the top sheet have strong potential to improve species selectivity, fuel and carbon efficiency.
16 June 2021
This is the Interim Report of the Seafood Sector Taskforce which was established by The Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM), Charlie McConalogue T.D., on 26 February 2021.
10th June 2021
Statistical methodology for comparing two or more gears in twin or multi-rig gear selectivity experiments is well established but less so in the case of single-rig experiments. Published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, this study optimises trial design and outputs in single-rig gear selectivity experiments.
25 May 2021
Green LEDs substantially reduced haddock catches onboard a trawler targeting mixed-demersal fish in the Celtic Sea. Confirmation of these results would help towards a case for codend meshes which selectively retain and optimise utilisation of Celtic Sea whiting.
21 April 2021
BIM EMFF Grant Case Studies Report 2020
9 Dec 2020
BIM’s new mobile fish holding unit was used to obtain a 70% survival rate in the Irish seine-net fishery. Results will be used to apply for an exemption from the landing obligation.
6 Nov 2020
BIM undertook a study to examine the impact of the seafood sector on Ireland’s ten main fishing ports in late 2019. The findings point to the significance of the sector in rural economies in Ireland. For every four jobs in the seafood sector, three are created downstream.
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – An Daingean (pdf 1,512Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Castletownbere (pdf 1,526Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Clogherhead (pdf 1,444Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Dunmore East (pdf 1,484Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Greencastle (pdf 1,548Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Howth (pdf 1,518Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Killybegs (pdf 1,544Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Kilmore Quay (pdf 1,517Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Ros an Mhil (pdf 1,552Kb)
Economic Impact of Seafood Sector – Union Hall (pdf 1,509Kb)
7 May 2020
A 41% reduction in undersize haddock suggests the 100 mm T90 codend has major potential to optimise quota and boost stock sustainability in the increasingly important Irish Sea haddock fishery. An application has been submitted to permit use of this gear in the Irish Sea.
20 Apr 2020
An 87% plaice survival rate was estimated in the Irish seine net fishery. Study results will be used towards an application for a survivability exemption under the landing obligation.
11 Mar 2020
An updated guide which summarises technical solutions developed by BIM in collaboration with the Irish Fishing Industry which assist with the landing obligation
19 Dec 2019
A 50% sole survival rate was obtained in an Irish otter trawl fishery. Study results will be used towards an application for a survivability exemption under the landing obligation.
2 Oct 2019
BIM calibrated a new catch sensor to work in the Nephrops fishery. The device has major potential to help Irish vessel owners improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
13 Sep 2019
BIM’s assessment of an appropriate target population for the seafood sector.
9 Sep 2019
Direct, indirect and induced employment in Ireland’s seafood sector.
9 Sep 2019
In this report food consumption patterns in Ireland and in other countries are assessed to identify eating trends occurring here and around the world and to identify important current and future markets for Irish seafood producers.
19 Jul 2019
BIM’s study results indicate that the 90 mm T90 mesh codend is an excellent gear option for vessels targeting monkfish and megrim due to a major increase in monkfish and major reductions in undersize roundfish species during the trials. In addition substantial loss of market sized whiting with the 90 mm T90 gear indicates that vessels targeting whiting may be better served by other gear options under the discard plan.
7 Jun 2019
Report on further development of the raised/staggered fishing line; the trial resulted in substantial reductions in skates and rays, flatfish and dogfish with more moderate reductions in haddock and cod indicating that this gear provides an excellent option for vessels targeting whiting under the landing obligation.
1 Mar 2019
Report results indicate that cuckoo rays are likely to survive the capture process well with 84% of trawl caught cuckoo rays in excellent condition at the point of being put back to sea. Study outcomes provide supporting scientific information towards extending the one-year survivability exemption for cuckoo ray under the EU landing obligation.
27 Feb 2019
A summary of the Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector Strategy 2019-2023
27 Feb 2019
Straitéis d’Earnáil Iascaigh Cois Cladaigh na Éireann 2019-2023
27 Feb 2019
The first industry-led strategy for Ireland’s inshore fisheries sector has been launched in a bid to develop a prosperous and sustainable industry. The Irish Inshore Fisheries Sector Strategy 2019-2023 follows 18 months of consultation and development with representatives from the sector.
11 Feb 2019
Equivalent selectivity for small fish was demonstrated between 120 mm diamond and 100 mm T90 codends. Both gears have benefits depending on which species is targeted, and both should be included in the list of gear options for vessels targeting whitefish species in the Celtic and Irish Seas.
7 Feb 2019
Brexit and the Irish Fishing Industry Factsheet produced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
21 Dec 2018
Report on flume tank testing and development of the raised fishing line approach, a key gear option for vessels targeting whitefish species under the landing obligation
20 Nov 2018
A 43% plaice survival rate was obtained in an Irish otter trawl fishery targeting fish species. Conducted during summer months, the study provided a worst case estimate, with higher survival likely to occur at other times of the year. This work will be used to apply for an exemption from the landing obligation for plaice in otter trawl fisheries.
19 Oct 2018
Published in the journal Fisheries Research, this paper demonstrates the benefits of a novel double codend trawl with inclined separator panels in mixed Nephrops fisheries. The gear significantly reduced catches of undersize fish while maintaining market sized Nephrops and fish. Highly effective species separation facilitates alternative selectivity measures depending on landing obligation requirements. Additional benefits such as improved catch quality and reduced catch sorting times are discussed.
10 Oct 2018
Following a request from the North Western Waters Advisory Committee, a SELTRA bycatch reduction device with an increased codend mesh size of 90 mm was assessed in the Irish Sea Nephrops fishery. The gear was highly effective in reducing catches of small whiting but also reduced catches of market sized Nephrops. The report discusses how increases in codend mesh size are unlikely to be of benefit in improving whiting conservation in the Irish Sea.
15 Aug 2018
Reducing unwanted catches: A collection of one page summaries of technical solutions developed by BIM and the Irish fishing industry.
15 May 2018
This report assesses the likely volumes of unwanted catches which may be landed into Ireland under the Landing Obligation (LO). It identifies potential uses for those catches and analyses these options for their potential to deliver an economic return to fishermen.
3 May 2018
Increasing codend mesh size from 80 to 90 mm in the Irish Sea Nephrops fishery achieved major reductions in catches of small whiting but also substantially reduced Nephrops catches. Restricting the amount of larger mesh used in the codend may assist in maintaining Nephrops catches. Reduced codend circumference showed major potential as a measure for improving Nephrops selectivity but had a limited effect on whiting.
5 Feb 2018
Floating Dyneema sweeps caught more Nephrops and proportionately less whiting compared with a standard gear, and may have potential to postpone choking under the landing obligation. Alternative rigging ahead of the trawl failed to directly reduce catches of very small whiting. Such fish may be incapable of swimming clear of the trawl mouth in the Irish Nephrops fishery.
22 Nov 2017
A modified SELTRA achieved further reductions in undersize whiting and haddock but also reduced Nephrops catches. Underwater video footage greatly assisted in determining optimal flotation and performance of the SELTRA which remains an important gear option for Irish vessels under the landing obligation.
29 Sep 2017
A 64% survival rate was obtained for Nephrops caught with a SELTRA selectivity device. This will be used to apply for a high survivability exemption from the landing obligation in the demersal trawl fishery.
14 Jul 2017
A collection of four fisheries posters on the conservation and economic benefits of reducing unwanted catches. Presented at the XXIII conference of the European Association of Fisheries Economists (EAFE), Dublin Castle, April 2017.
26 Jun 2017
This document sets out the requirements for applicants to the BIM Responsibly Sourced Fishing Vessel Standard.
23 May 2017
Study results demonstrate how major reductions in catches of quota limited cod combined with increased catches of the main target species, whiting, can boost fishery sustainability and catch value while also addressing landing obligation requirements.
9 Feb 2017
Substantial reductions in catches of unwanted fish species, and improved retention of Nephrops demonstrate that the SELTRA is a key gear option for vessels primarily targeting Nephrops.
23 Jan 2017
This paper introduces a new catch comparison method for more than two gears with applications for gear trials using the quad-rig in the Nephrops fishery.
7 Dec 2016
Study results demonstrate how it’s possible to optimise size grades and quality of Nephrops and fish catches, greatly reduce catch sorting times, while also meeting legislative restrictions on discarding.
4 Aug 2016
Building on previous work carried out in 2014, this study combined field testing of the impacts of choking on two demersal trawl fisheries, with economic analysis of related outcomes. The utility of technical and tactical changes in fishing practices as well as increased catch allowances in offsetting such impacts was assessed.
29 Jun 2016
Study results show that T90 mesh provides an excellent option to substantially improve the length composition and quality of whiting, while minimising impacts of the landing obligation on vessels targeting that species.
26 May 2016
A range of different square mesh cod-end mesh sizes were tested as a potential means of improving Nephrops selectivity. Results suggest that other measures tested by BIM namely an increase in cod-end mesh size and customised rigid sorting grids, are better options in Irish Nephrops fisheries.
15 Feb 2016
This study demonstrates a new sorting grid for Nephrops as an option for achieving major reductions in catches of small Nephrops while retaining fish catches.
29 Jan 2016
Report on the BIM organised trip to a flume tank in Hirtshals, Denmark in November 2015. The aim of the trip was to test and discuss various devices for improving species and size selectivity in Irish fisheries, with a particular emphasis on the commercially important Nephrops fishery.
21 Jan 2016
Documentation of the methodology used to estimate the socio-economic impact of the proposed TACs on the Irish fishing fleet and on Irish coastal communities – 2016 fishing opportunities.
23 Sep 2015
A study conducted in the Irish Sea Nephrops fishery revealed major biological and economic benefits associated with an increase in minimum cod-end mesh size in the Irish Sea
28 Jul 2015
The Working Group proposals include improved safety standards on vessels, making the industry more attractive for new entrants and advocating a careers structure for individuals working in the industry.
23 Mar 2015
A detailed technical and economic assessment of the impacts of the landing obligation at operational level with a particular focus on the impacts of choke species.
17 Feb 2015
Significant reductions in catches of undersize Nephrops achieved by using increased diamond cod-end mesh
11 Nov 2014
A report on the gear trial in the Western Irish Sea in ICES Division VIIa resulting in major reductions in catches of whiting and haddock and no reduction of Nephrops catches. Results are in line with a Northern Irish assessment
29 Aug 2014
Report on catch comparison of Quad and Twin-rig trawls in the Celtic Sea Nephrops fishery
22 Apr 2014
This report, facilitated by BIM, provides qualitative and quantitative information on the value that fishing contributes to the national fisheries harbour centre at Ros an Mhíl. (Updated 2016)
16 Dec 2013
Fisheries Resource Series
10 Dec 2013
The assessment of fish quality before and after a device used to separate pelagic fish (mackerel) from offloading delivery water in November 2013
10 Dec 2013
Assessing the effect of placing a Celtic Sea SMP aft of a Swedish Grid on board MFV Mater Dei in the Irish Sea Nephrops fishery
30 May 2013
A report presenting background statistics which describe the social and economic characteristics of the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six fishery harbour centre profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background statistics which describe the social and economic characteristics of the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six fishery harbour centre profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background statistics which describe the social and economic characteristics of the Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six fishery harbour centre profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background socio-economic statistics for the FLAG North East Region including Howth Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six area profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background socio-economic statistics for the FLAG North Region including Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six area profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background socio-economic statistics for the FLAG North West Region. (One of a series of six area profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background socio-economic statistics for the FLAG South West Region including Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six area profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 May 2013
A report presenting background statistics which describe the social and economic characteristics of the Greencastle Fishery Harbour
30 Mar 2013
A report presenting background statistics which describe the social and economic characteristics of the Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six fishery harbour centre profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 Mar 2013
A report presenting background statistics which describe the social and economic characteristics of the Rossaveal Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six fishery harbour centre profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 Mar 2013
A report presenting background socio-economic statistics for the FLAG South East Region including Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six area profiles commissioned by BIM)
30 Mar 2013
A report presenting background socio-economic statistics for the FLAG West Region including Rossaveal Fishery Harbour Centre. (One of a series of six area profiles commissioned by BIM)
2 Nov 2012
Report to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine on the Technical Conservation Measures (TCMs) currently in place for the Irish crawfish (Palinurus elephas) stock and future recommendations. November 2012
12 Jun 2012
Guidelines for establishing a Fisheries Local Action Group under the ‘Axis 4 – Sustainable Development of Fishery Dependent Areas Programme’.
31 May 2012
The Onshore Handling Standard sets out the requirements for Onshore Facilities to be certified to the BIM Responsibly Sourced Standard.
1 May 2012
This report facilitated by BIM details qualitative and quantative information on the value that fishing contributes to the town including how 81% of the employment in Castletownbere is related to fishing.
2 Dec 2011
Report on the jobs initiative for the Killybegs region following on from the economic assessment.
14 Jun 2011
An economic assessment of Killybegs – a case study of a fisheries dependent community.
25 Aug 2009
This guide investigates engine efficiency in terms of the improvements in fuel consumption that result from basic maintenance and fuel monitoring; the effects of excessive drag on the hull caused by fouling; and matching the speed of the vessel to optimum fuel consumption.
18 Apr 2009
This paper both summarises Ireland’s view of the Commission’s Green Paper and makes a number of informed recommendations.
18 Sep 2008
Fisheries Resource Series No. 8.
28 Jun 2008
Our report on trials conducted in June 2008 to assist the prawn industry establish viable alternatives to the use of sodium metabisulphite in the treatment of Black spot (or melanosis). We compare the effectiveness of the commercially available non-sulphite based products; Crustaxyl®, Xyrex® Prawn-Fresh(TM) and Everfresh® against sodium metabisulphite (4% concentration).
18 Jun 2008
Fisheries Resource Series No. 7.
18 Jan 2008
Fisheries Resource Series No. 6.
12 Jun 2007
An assessment of optimal pinger spacing
12 Jun 2007
A technical assessment of the practicalities of available pinger models, and solutions developed by BIM to address identified issues
18 Apr 2007
A guide for skippers in completing the EU logbook. Section II: Contains examples covering a range of gear types/areas/target species and demonstrates how to fill in the logbook from leaving port to landing.
18 Apr 2007
A guide for skippers in completing the EU logbook. Section I: Deals with filling in the logbook during the course of a normal fishing trip.
18 Aug 2006
Fisheries Resource Series No. 5.
18 Jul 2006
Fisheries Resource Series No. 4.
18 Jun 2006
Fisheries Resource Series No. 3.
18 Nov 2005
Report on the final element of an integrated set of schemes designed to deliver the necessary restructuring, renewal and modernisation in the whitefish fleet and to permanently withdraw capacity from the demersal and shellfish sector.
18 Jul 2005
The review examines and reports on the urgency, scope and cost of the decommissioning requirements for the demersal and shellfish fleets, in order to establish a balance between fleet size and available fishing entitlements.
18 Jun 2004
Fisheries Resource Series No. 2.
Fish Handling Quality Guides
