Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Time: 08:30-11:00am
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny
Networking breakfast followed by workshop
Businesses and professionals involved in the aquaculture sector, including marine engineering, environmental services, technology and supply chain development.
Gain insight from sector leaders
Discover emerging opportunities including UK, mainland Europe and Irish markets
Network with potential partners and collaborators
Damien Toner
Aquatech Business Manager, BIM
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is the Irish State agency responsible for developing the seafood sector and supporting its sustainable growth through expertise, innovation and industry development.
Damien Toner is Aquatech Business Manager at BIM and brings over 30 years of experience in the aquaculture and seafood industry. He works closely with industry stakeholders to support innovation, business growth and the advancement of Ireland's emerging aquaculture technology sector.
Catherine McManus
Operations Director, MOWI Ireland
Mowi Ireland is part of the MOWI ASA salmon farming company and is Ireland’s leading producer of farmed Organic Atlantic salmon. The company has operated in Ireland for almost 46 years and employs 222 people between its hatcheries, salmon farms, and processing plant in Donegal, Mayo, Cork, and Kerry and works with approximately 525 Irish suppliers to the value of more than €29 million annually.
Catherine McManus is the Operations Director of Mowi Ireland. She holds an honours degree in Environmental Science and Technology and a Master of Science Degree in Coastal Zone Management. She has worked in the Salmon Aquaculture industry for over 30 years. Her expertise spans organic aquaculture, environmental and quality management systems, as well as planning and regulatory affairs. She also Chairs the Irish Sea Fisheries Protection Authority Consultative Committee and is the Vice Chair of the Irish Farmers Association - Aquaculture.
David Cunningham
Managing Director, Cunningham Covers
Cunningham Covers are Ireland's leading manufacturer of clever protective covers, employing 100 people in the island of Ireland.
Exporting to more than 50 countries since 1969, the company serves a wide range of sectors, including specialised covers for aerospace, offshore, transport and aquaculture applications. Cunningham has partnered with Gael Force Group to prototype and manufacture the flexible membrane for SeaQureWell™, a ground-breaking semi-closed containment solution for the aquaculture sector.
David Cunningham (BEng) has 30 years relevant experience in the manufacture of clever protective covers. His experience and qualifications have ensured that his knowledge is at the cutting edge of materials engineering which afford him the necessary skills to identify what is currently in existence within the field.
Thomas Havlin
Founder and CEO, Seabound Engineering Ltd
Based in Greencastle, Donegal, Seabound Engineering specialises in custom-built aluminium vessels for the aquaculture and marine sectors. The company has earned a strong international reputation for innovation, design excellence, and high-quality construction. It is Ireland’s only SCMS-certified aluminium shipyard and exports vessels valued from €120,000 to €3.2 million to a growing range of industries, including aquaculture, tourism, and commercial and offshore markets.
As founder of Seabound, Thomas Havlin combines his lifelong passion for the sea with a commitment to safety and innovation. Growing up in Donegal’s rugged coastal landscape and with 26 years of industry experience, Thomas learned early on the value of reliable boats and the risks of unreliable ones. Alongside his role at Seabound, he volunteers with the Irish Coast Guard, bringing first-hand knowledge of what’s at stake when lives depend on a vessel. For Thomas, every boat Seabound builds is more than a project; it’s a promise of safety, performance, and endurance.
Registration is free. Click here to sign up now to secure your place.
