The Irish seafood industry comprises of the commercial sea fishing industry, the aquaculture industry and the seafood processing industry. The seafood industry is based on the utilisation of a high quality, indigenous natural resource, which has excellent potential for added value and makes a significant contribution to the national economy in terms of output, employment and exports.
Over the next decade, consumption is projected to grow by 42 million tonnes per annum according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as the world population is set to reach 8 billion by 2025. It is clear that a huge expansion in food production, including seafood, will be required worldwide to meet this need. The value of Irish seafood exports in 2019 was estimated to be in the region of €577 million, maintaining the value of 2018.
The strategic goal of the department is to deliver a sustainable, growth driven sector focused on competitiveness and innovation driven by a skilled workforce delivering value added products in line with market demands.