The Irish rope grown mussel fishery, managed by Ireland’s seafood development agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), was certified in 2019. The fishery joins the Irish bottom grown mussel fishery, also managed by BIM, which achieved certification in 2013 and means that bivalves fisheries from Northern Ireland and Ireland are leading the way on delivering sustainable seafood for both nations.
Recognising their commitment to sustainability, BIM was named 2020’s MSC Ocean Hero at the Marine Stewardship Council’s UK awards.
On accepting the award, BIM’s CEO Jim O’Toole spoke of the seafood industry’s increasing focus on sustainability, stating that “Environmental and social sustainability underpins the seafood industry on the island of Ireland. This MSC award recognises the collaboration and cross-industry efforts of the bottom grown and rope mussel operators for a sustainable future.”
The Irish mussel industry was valued at €11.7 million in 2018, of which the rope grown sector produces roughly 9,000 tonnes each year.
“Environmental and social sustainability underpins the seafood industry on the island of Ireland. This MSC award recognises the collaboration and cross-industry efforts of the bottom grown and rope mussel operators for a sustainable future.”
CEO BIM's
