“Sometimes you just have to take the chance and go with it!” Despite all the relative gloom and despondency about the current economic climate, the Marine Times Newspaper, Ireland’s leading marine publication, decided that the biennial Fish Ireland Exhibition should take place this Summer. The fishing industry needed a boost, something to expose the wealth of expertise we have in this country …. And for two glorious days in late June the industry responded in kind – even the sun shone!

With over 40 companies exhibiting their services and products in the auction hall in Killybegs, the industry thronged to the busy quayside where at times it resembled a party atmosphere with some serious business being done amongst the visiting fishermen and the exhibitors. Fishermen travelled from near and far – all the coastal counties of Ireland (North and South) were well represented with fishermen from Cork, Kerry and the Shetlands arguing over who actually travelled the furthest and quickest to this picturesque corner of the North West.

Exhibitors also travelled from very near and very far – Donegal companies made a great turnout at this particular show but we also had exhibitors from other corners of Ireland, Scotland, England, Denmark, France and the Netherlands - each and everyone of them enjoying the hospitality of Killybegs and its surrounding environs. One such company Pisces who have been regular exhibitors were well pleased with the results of Fish Ireland and “will certainly return next time.” According to Ronnie Ritchie “We achieved a mixed bag of enquiries and orders for nets wires seine net ropes and general chandlery items. All in all the atmosphere was fantastic - and above all NO rain!”

Naturally the Marine Times cant take credit for the weather but we must say thanks to everyone who helped ensure the atmosphere of Fish Ireland was warm, friendly and very importantly business like. One of the great hits during Fish Ireland this year was the Seafood Barbecue on the Friday at the main entrance – it was a huge success, with a grand total of €2650 raised for charity. Caroline Lafferty wishes to extend her thanks to all “our very generous sponsors without which it could not have been possible. A very enjoyable day was had by all involved with good will and kindness of heart in abundance. Hopefully we will be planning a similar event in 2012. Personally I think it added to the atmosphere of the day, the fine weather & fine fish are Killybegs at its best, thanks again for the support.”

Sean Connick TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, opened Fish Ireland 2010 also took the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Killybegs Fisherman’s Organisation and the Donegal fish processing companies to continue the ongoing dialogue on issues facing the fishing sector. The Minister who was accompanied by An Tanaiste Mary Coughlan and the German Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Busso von Alvensleben, welcomed the invitation to open the exhibition and noted the appropriateness of holding such an event in Killybegs, one of the most modern fishing ports in the EU. “Events like this allow fishermen and their suppliers discuss the ever changing needs of the industry and prepare for future requirements”. He went on to say that further measures for sustainable fishing practices on the horizon required that “a more flexible approach will have to be adopted, not only by the fishermen but also by the suppliers of the fishing industry.”

In his address Minister Connick touched on a number of topics including the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, however, his central message revolved around innovation, differentiation of product and maximising returns. He complimented the fishermen and processors in Killybegs for being “To the forefront in innovation, diversification and forward thinking, playing a large part in driving the further development of pelagic markets, particularly in Russia, and the move towards more processing of Blue Whiting for human consumption.”

He also referred to the foresight of the KFO in funding research into the sustainability of a new boar fish fishery saying “This is an exciting departure and one which shows how serious we in Ireland are about conducting our business in a proper and prudent manner mindful of the finite nature of the resource we harvest”. The Minister emphasised the integral part the seafood industry will have to play in Ireland’s economic recovery, saying “We have a high quality raw material on our doorstep, we have a flexible and innovative industry and the demand for our product remains strong. What we must do is continue to innovate, differentiate Irish seafood and maximise our returns by increasing value added.”

He went on to encourage processors to avail of the services BIM’s Seafood Development Centre. Saying “This world class facility can only benefit companies who want to be progressive and grow their markets. It is already assisting 60 Irish seafood companies to differentiate and further refine their products since its launch in October last year and is well on its way to delivering its ambitious target of €100 million in additional value added sales over the next five years.”

The Marine Times Newspaper would like to thank everyone who exhibited and visited the Fish Ireland exhibition in Killybegs and who knows – we might see you all again in 2012?

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Fish Ireland 2012
Killybegs - Co. Donegal - 29th & 30th June 2012*

* Subject to licence being granted