Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Seafood Development Agency, is hosting the inaugural Awards to celebrate Ireland’s €1 billion Seafood Sector. The awards will recognise excellence across the Seafood Industry with entries received from the fishing, fish farming, seafood processing and retail sectors. The panel of ten, experienced judges will be looking for those who excel in the areas of Skills, Sustainability, Innovation and Competitiveness. The winners from each category will be announced in front of 150 guests at the Gala Awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge in November.
BIM’s Chief Executive, Tara McCarthy outlines the rationale behind the event; ‘As an Island nation, our seafood sector contributes €1 billion in GDP and employs over 11,000 directly and indirectly around our coast. It is a diverse sector with many strings to its bow with a passion and entrepreneurial spirit that has driven success and weathered many challenges over the years. We, in BIM, have developed these awards to recognise an industry that is the cornerstone of our coastal communities and an integral part of our agri-food portfolio. This event is all about profiling the many leaders and shining lights in this industry and in doing so, build a greater appreciation for an industry with significant potential in the years ahead’. In addition to presenting awards including Responsible Fisherman of the Year, Innovation in Aquaculture, Seafood Enterprise of the Year and Best New Fishing Practice Award; BIM will also celebrate skills in the industry with two awards under the annual BIM Young Fishmonger of the Year competition and an award for ‘BIM Student of the Year’.