The number of licensed aquaculture operations at present is 1,159 of whom 10% are for finfish farming, the remainder are for shellfish farming operations. The first sale value of the fish produced in 2003 is estimated at €106,301 million. The number of people directly employed in the farm production element of the sector, on a full and part-time basis in 2003 was 2,637.
The level of support given to the sector is generally set at 40% of qualifying expenditure. The principal source of development funding is the aquaculture measure of the NDP 2000-2006. This FIFG co-funded instrument is complimented by an integrated suite of support programmes in the areas of marketing, quality assurance, environmental compliance, technology transfer, training and business skills provided by BIM. Local Leader groups may also assist new start-up companies with general mentoring and coaching as appropriate.