€5.5 million in EU funding will help support of aquaculture in the Irish Sea
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, has partnered with researchers in Ireland and Wales led by Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, on a project which aims to investigate the potential impact of climate change on aquaculture in the Irish Sea. The project consists of six partners including Ireland’s Marine Institute (MI), University College Cork, Aberystwyth University and Swansea University.
The Bluefish project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation Programme 2014 – 2020. The project will receive approximately €5.5 million in funding over a 4-year period. The findings of the project will be used to better inform and prepare businesses working in the aquaculture and sea fisheries sectors to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Speaking of the benefit of the programme, Jim O’Toole BIM CEO said; “The effects of climate change pose a huge challenge to all those working within the aquaculture and sea fisheries industries both here in Ireland and further afield. Therefore, it is important that we continue to provide support aimed at mitigating against the effects of such challenges. BIM works closely with the aquaculture and sea fishery industries on a range of sustainability programmes and technologies ranging from sustainable farming practices to environmental accreditations. The Bluefish partnership will provide an additional and innovative platform through which such support can be provided.”
Dr Shelagh Malham, Bangor University researcher and Operations Director for the BlueFish project, said: “The combination of research between academic partners and collaboration with industry partners will ensure these vital industries receive the information and support they need to be more resilient to the changes the industry is facing, and will continue to face in coming years, and to react to opportunities.”
Pictured at the launch of the Bluefish Project are representatives from all partner organisations.
