Gerry O'Sullivan
Question:92 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if he has any plans, in conjunction with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, to expand the promotion campaign to increase the consumption of fish both at home and abroad.
Written Answers. - Fish Consumption Campaign.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) plays an important role in assisting the fishing industry in developing markets for Irish seafood both at home and abroad.
The main focus of BIM's marketing activities is on market research, product development, and seafood promotion, with particular attention directed towards: underutilised and non-quota varieties; farmed fish; and added-value products. The fast growing aquaculture sector in particular presents fresh marketing opportunities and challenges for BIM and the industry.
Market research abroad is targeted on specific growth sectors of international seafood markets, such as the United States market for fresh and chilled prepacked salmon products and the UK market for seafood recipe dishes. These sectors provide the basis for new product development and, more importantly, creation of additional employment. BIM's participation at major international food fair promotions will continue.
BIM's market research and product development programme on the home market will be aimed at securing for Irish firms a stronger foothold in the import dominated sector of the Irish market. By reducing the import share of the market by even 1 per cent we can save imports of £1 million, with consequential benefits to the economy through increased employment and an improved balance of trade.
BIM's domestic promotional programmes, which encourage increased demand for Irish seafood, will be continued, with the assistance of trade and outside sponsorship.
With the on going development of a more mature and sophisticated catching and processing sector, the industry itself will be in a position to develop increasingly its own capabilities in this regard.