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BIM and Donegal County Council launch blue bioeconomy report to drive seafood sector innovation

BIM and Donegal County Council launch blue bioeconomy report to drive seafood sector innovation

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, in partnership with Donegal County Council, today (Friday, 19 June 2026) launched a new report assessing the potential of Ireland’s blue bioeconomy.

The Blue Bioeconomy Scoping Report assesses industry needs, supports, and international best practice, identifying a clear set of priority actions required to unlock growth in this emerging sector. A key outcome is the creation of a northwest Blue Bioeconomy Steering Group to guide implementation, strengthen collaboration and ensure industry input.

This marks a significant step towards aligning supports for seafood sector companies, with the aim of maximising value from marine biomass.

Speaking at the launch, BIM Innovation Manager Michael Gallagher noted:

“Given the challenges the sector has faced with quota reductions, biomass shortages, and rising supply chain costs, it is crucial that we generate more value from every fish.”
He emphasised the importance of diversification into higher-value markets, highlighting growing interest among Irish seafood processors in pursuing opportunities in these emerging areas.

Gallagher further highlighted Ireland’s strong research capacity, noting:

“Ireland possesses a wide diversity of high-calibre marine researchers, and progress is already being driven by industry leaders in both the northwest and southwest. Active engagement with regional networks is generating high-potential opportunities. If we can harness these resources at a national level and align supports across relevant state agencies, we can create a clear and coherent pathway for the seafood sector to diversify and unlock greater value from the blue bioeconomy.”

At the core of the initiative is the recognition that the blue bioeconomy offers a wide range of opportunities. In the short term, more accessible applications include converting marine co-products and underutilised resources into biostimulants and pet food ingredients. At the same time, there is considerable longer-term potential to develop higher-value products such as proteins, collagen, nutraceuticals, and biomaterials.

BIM, in collaboration with Donegal County Council and the diversity of steering group members, is well positioned to play a leading role in advancing this agenda, supporting companies to access funding, connect with research expertise, and engage in collaborative networks.

Supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, this initiative reinforces the northwest’s role as a hub for blue bioeconomy development, with inter-agency collaboration identified as a foundational element in unlocking the sector’s full potential.

Pictured in back row from left to right: Helena Deane, Marine Institute, Mairead Carlin, Donegal County Council, Cllr.Micheal Boyle, Cllr.Noel Jordan, Cllr Jimmy Brogan, Michael Gallagher BIM, Vincent Ryan BIM, Devin Ayres Nua na Mara, Brijesh Tiwari Teagasc, Karl Bonner Killybegs Marine Cluster, Niall O Rahelly Enterprise Ireland, Shay Hannon Teagasc
Front row from left to right: Cliodhna Griffin BIM, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Gary Martin Donegal County Council, Alexandra Leeper Iceland Ocean Cluster, Eve Savage MTU, Lorraine Arbuckle Donegal County Council, Eve-Anne McCarron ATU.