So says the new Chief Executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Jim O'Toole, in his first interview since his appointment, given to the Marine Times. He describes BIM as being at "an important juncture," as it prepares a five-year plan, with the intention of "broadening the footprint of the industry from seafood into a wider economic one in coastal communities, which is really important."

He puts strong emphasis on the importance for the future of coastal communities of widening the industry beyond seafood only into a wider maritime approach and into economic development and says that BIM is there to help that.

"We have a very vibrant industry, but also an industry that needs the support of a development agency, which is what BIM is. The vision we have is that we would have an international leadership position for Irish seafood, based on safe, sustainable, traceable, high quality seafood and I think that resonates with our industry because the quality of our product and the way it is produced in Ireland is something where we can aspire to leadership and develop markets to realise that opportunity."

You can read the full interview in the July edition of the MARINE TIMES and hear more in Tom MacSweeney's FISHERIES PODCAST now here on our website

The Fisheries Podcast

Tom MacSweeney

The new MARINE TIMES Podcast Service
(click on photo to listen)

The new Chief Executive of BIM gives his first media interview to the MARINE TIMES and says Bord Iascaigh Mhara is at "an important juncture."

THIS ISLAND NATION radio programme is produced with the support of the Marine Times. Listen to the latest programme here.

WHAT PRIORITY DOES THE GOVERNMENT GIVE TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY?
Many listeners may visit fishing ports during Summer holidays and will notice the reduced number of Irish boats… tied up at quaysides, not permitted by the EU to go fishing, while bigger European nations can continue to catch fish in Irish waters and even land those on the same quaysides to which Irish boats are tied up… catches that are then carried off by truck to Europe… On holiday in Europe there is a strong possibility that the fish you eat was caught in Irish waters… The Chief Executive of the Castletwonbere-based Irish South and West Fishermen’s Organisation, Patrick Murphy, has revealed that senior officials in the Department of the Marine want to reduce the Irish fishing fleet further, to meet EU requirements for catching quotas… So, I asked the Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed, about this and about the state of the fishing industry.

As always, plenty to interest you in the maritime world.

Global Leaders in Marine Innovation to Address Our Ocean Wealth Summit 2017

Opportunities for Ireland’s Marine Economy the focus for Summit announced on World Oceans Day

Acknowledging World Oceans Day (8 June), the Marine Institute has announced a line-up of global thought leaders to discuss a blue economy agenda that reflects the opportunities arising from our oceans, and the need to address a range of environmental, economic and societal issues. The 2017 Our Ocean Wealth Summit, which will take place on Friday, 30 June at National University of Ireland, Galway, will focus on the theme of ‘Rethinking Boundaries and Innovation for a Sustainable Marine Economy’.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara Announce Exciting Line up for National Seafood Conference in association with SeaFest 2017

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, is delighted to announce an exciting and busy programme for the agency’s National Seafood Conference ‘Winning in a Changing Environment’ that will take place on the 29th June in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway.

Clogherhead RNLI Launches €150K Lifeboat Appeal at Drogheda Maritime Festival

Clogherhead RNLI officially launched the station’s €150,000 Shannon lifeboat appeal on the final day of the Drogheda National Maritime Festival (Sunday 11 June) in the presence of the Mayor of Drogheda Oliver Tully and the Drogheda Harbour Master Captain Martin Donnelly. The Shannon is the latest class of all weather lifeboat in the RNLI fleet and the most technologically advanced. It is also the first class of RNLI lifeboat to be named after an Irish river, recognition of the role carried out by lifeboat volunteers in Ireland over the last 190 years.

153 Successful Projects Worth €3.6 million Under EMFF Fisheries Local Action Group Scheme

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, T.D. visited the renowned Ballycotton Harbour today (Thursday 8th June) to announce a range of successful projects that will deliver a total investment of €3.6 million under the innovative and inspiring Fisheries Local Area Action Group (FLAG) Strategy for Ireland’s 7 coastal regions. The FLAG Scheme is co-funded by the Exchequer and the EU under Ireland’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Operational Programme 2014-20. Over the duration of the EMFF programme, the FLAG Scheme will deliver €12 million in funding to Ireland’s coastal communities.

..........
.... June 2017 Issue - Vol 30 No.01

June 2017 issue in all good stockists

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Francis O'Donnell

Trial by Facebook
The Chief Executive of the IFPO says that relationships between the Producer Organisations are being seriously tested by vested interests.

Art Kavanagh

Losing the PR Battle
RTE did yet another Prime Time feature on the Foreign Workers issue which was disgustingly unbalanced.

We need to talk about super trawlers ...
Liadh Ni Riada, MEP

"In an effort to highlight the seriousness of what may be about to happen as a result of the “so called” public consultation on reviewing our fishing boat licence policy, a number of us fishermen have decided that we can no longer remain silent while PO’s, governments and state agencies continue to mismanage Ireland’s fishing industry for the benefit of a small number of players in return for political advantage."

Rogues Gallery is back - see page 38 of our June 2017 issue to see if you made the cut ;0)
Photo above - crew of Argonaut IV in Dunmore East courtesy of William Power

Volunteers are wanted for SeaFest 2017

Volunteers are wanted for SeaFest 2017 to help make this year’s national maritime festival one to remember. The three day celebration will take place in Galway from 30 June to 2 July 2017. The Marine Institute, coordinating SeaFest on behalf of the Government Marine Coordination Group, is calling for volunteers to apply now.

Johnny Donnelly Managing Director of Arcana, the event management specialists appointed to stage SeaFest 2017, said, “Volunteers play an important role in making SeaFest 2017 a memorable event. Our volunteers are valuable members of our event team, as they assist in making the festival run smoothly and help ensure it is enjoyed by all visitors. “Volunteers have the opportunity to be part of a fantastic marine-themed festival,” Mr Donnelly said. “An action-packed programme of entertainment and attractions on and around the water is planned, which is sure to delight visitors of all ages and also encourage them to explore the wonders of our ocean.”

SeaFest raises awareness of the value and opportunities provided by the sea, and will include tours of ocean-going vessels, aquatic displays, interactive exhibitions, a seafood fair, as well as fun and educational activities for children.

To become a volunteer for SeaFest 2017 visit http://seafest.ie/volunteer and complete the online application form. All volunteers must be aged 18 years or older. Volunteers must be available from 9am to 6pm and have the option to volunteer for one, two or the three days of the festival. Volunteers may also be selected for Garda Vetting.

For more information on SeaFest visit www.seafest.ie and follow SeaFest on Facebook and Twitter.

Mullion Integrated Personal Floatation Device (PFD) With Integrated Man Over Board Device (MOB)

On Monday May 29th, Skipper Niall Connolly and Crew of the Patrick C. from Clogherhead, docked in Killybegs to take delivery of the Mullion 275N SOLAS Hi-Rise. This is a twin chamber life jacket complete with AIS Kannad R10, integrated MOB Device for the Crew of nine fishermen working this vessel.

IFA President welcomes Independent Aquaculture Licence Review

- “Minister Creed Must set out clear implementation strategy” –

IFA President, Joe Healy has welcomed the publication today (Wednesday) of the report of the Independent Aquaculture Licence Review Committee (IALRC) which was set up under FoodWise 2025 by Minister Creed to address the serious delays and flaws in the aquaculture licencing system managed by his Department.

Ireland’s First Marine Science Gallery at Galway City Museum Officially Opened

“Sea Science - the Wild Atlantic” exhibition is Ireland’s first sea science gallery to have audio and visual displays accessible in both English and as Gaeilge. The interactive exhibition spans a variety of topics including the nature of how tides operate, multi-beam mapping, deep sea exploration and marine life along the seashore. The basic principles of marine science are communicated in a fun and engaging way, using a combination of digital interactive touchscreens, hands-on-exhibits, holograms and high-definition video footage.

EU Fisheries Controls: More Efforts Needed, say Auditors

More efforts are needed if the EU is to have an effective fisheries control system in place, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors. The auditors say that Member States and the European Commission have made progress over the last decade; however, the EU does not yet have a sufficiently effective system of fisheries controls to support the Common Fisheries Policy.

Arrrrrrrrrr Ye Ready for SeaFest?

MacDaraFlavin and Jack O Flatharta from Bearna with Capt Midie at the launch of SeaFest, Ireland's national maritime festival, which will be held in Galway from 30th June to 2nd July.

Visit www.seafest.ie for more info

Here be Monsters!

Cathal Flannery O Donnell in Dingle with the giant squid caught by his uncle Pete Flannery of Cu na Mara which has been making all the news the past few days. We will have a report on this rare catch in our June issue. Photo courtesy Kevin Flannery.

New Inshore Representative Organisation Incorporated

The National Inshore Fishermen's Association Company Limited by Guarantee (NIFA CLG) has recently been incorporated. According to the NIFA's Articles of Association the purpose of the NIFA CLG is to "Support the Inshore Fisheries Forums in a non-compete manner on issues of mutual interest and importance. To represent, protect and promote the interests of Inshore Fishermen operating Irish registered fishing vessels"

Ballycotton RNLI launch in early hours to provide medical assistance to ill fisherman off the Cork coast

Ballycotton RNLI launched in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 10 May) to assist in the medical evacuation of a fisherman 20 miles south of Ballycotton Lighthouse.

Water users urged to take precautions to limit an outbreak of Crayfish Plague on River Suir downstream of Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir

All water users are being urged to take precautions after confirmation of an outbreak of Crayfish Plague on a stretch of the River Suir downstream of Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir. It comes after large numbers of dead freshwater crayfish were reported on the river earlier this month. DNA analysis has now confirmed that the cause of death was crayfish plague.

NUI Galway Marine Scientists Research Cold-water Corals and Sponges off the Irish Continental Shelf

Marine scientists carry out deep-sea research on marine substances to determine if they have anti-cancer properties that can be used for novel drugs to combat human illnesses.

RNLI Drowning Prevention Campaign Respect the Water says ‘Fight Your Instincts, Not the Water’ to Stay Alive

As temperatures look set to soar across Ireland new research commissioned by the RNLI has revealed that 39% of Irish people questioned said they would follow their instincts and fight against the water, if they unexpectedly fell into it. However the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign is asking people to fight those instincts and remember one simple piece of advice – floating – that could save lives from drowning.

Rewards for the capture of tagged Irish Sea cod

The Marine Institute is encouraging the fishing industry and recreational fishing community to report the capture of tagged cod in the Irish Sea and claim a monetary reward.

Arklow RNLI responds to three consecutive call outs bringing eight people to safety

Arklow RNLI responded to three consecutive call outs yesterday evening (Wednesday 3 May) bringing three yachts with eight onboard, safely to shore.

Archive - May 2017

BIM Host High Level Fisheries Economics Conference to Discuss Socio-Economic Impact of Common Fisheries Policy

Foyle Fishermen Sign up to BIM’s Fishing For Litter Initiative

Liadh Ní Riada appointed as Brexit rapporteur for fisheries

Pringle calls on Government to quash illegal convictions under Inland Fisheries Act 2010

Jim O’Toole Appointed Chief Executive of BIM

SeaFest 2017 expected to attract thousands to Galway

BIM launch Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) for Ireland’s Brown Crab Fishery

Wicklow RNLI's D class lifeboat named Dennis-Audrey to fulfil couple's dream

PwC Supports Ireland’s Blue Growth as Headline Sponsor of ‘Our Ocean Wealth Summit’

Seafood HACCP Workshop in Sligo

Archive - April 2017

EU must stop tacitly supporting supertrawlers - Ní Riada

Marine Minister Accused of Ignoring Fishermen

News that Live Brown Crab Imports from Ireland to China Can Resume Welcomed

BIM urges Fishermen to Register their Safety Equipment with ComReg

EU/Canada trade deal will see immediate effects on Irish fish prices

Donegal Coastal Communities being kept in Limbo over Oyster Farms

Irish Researchers are First in the World to Track Detailed Movements of European Sea Bass