Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency is proud to announce its continued support of the Irish Skipper Expo, Ireland’s only dedicated trade show for the fishing sector, by sponsoring the 2025 event.
BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel told The Skipper: “I am delighted to return to the UL Sport Arena along with my BIM colleagues, for the eagerly awaited Irish Skipper Expo 2025.
BIM is again main sponsor at the event with support from the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund which is a key funding stream for the work we do with industry. A team of our regional officers and other staff are looking forward to meeting with so many from the fishing and wider seafood sector to share information and insights about training, funding and key developments in responsible environmental practices.
These include schemes linked to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund programme, in addition to other training and business insights and advisory supports available. You will find more information on these from staff working at our stand or by visiting – www.bim.ie
Our Coastal Training Unit will be on site during the two days of the event, with BIM training instructors welcoming visitors on board and sharing details about training and skills development opportunities. A model of selective gear is again being displayed just outside BIM’s Coastal Training Unit, with members of our conservation team on hand to discuss the positive results of recent gear trials BIM has run with industry.
While the environment and markets within which the seafood industry operates continue to evolve and bring new opportunities and challenges, there are significant supports and services to be availed of to help seafood businesses on their journey.
The European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme aims to support a diverse range of activities within the marine area. For fisheries, this includes on board capital investment, innovation in fishing gear and methods, supports to the inshore fleet, and training.
For aquaculture it includes support for capital investment in aquaculture sites, innovation and research to develop technology and enhance knowledge, advisory services, and training. For processing meanwhile, it is supporting capital investment in seafood processing enterprises, enhanced energy efficiency, and driving innovation to develop new products, and advisory services.
As Ireland’s only dedicated trade show event for the fishing sector, The Irish Skipper Expo is an important event for industry to network and to learn about key supports that can help their businesses. I look forward to meeting so many from industry in Limerick this year.
BIM is committed to the continued provision of support and services to ensure the Irish seafood sector remains vital, sustainable and valued for future generations.”
