This document summarizes an IFA Aquaculture conference to take place on April 7th, 2022 at the Hotel Westport. The IFA Aquaculture group represents the Irish aquaculture industry in fish, shellfish, and seaweeds. Michael Mulloy is the chairman of the IFA Aquaculture National Committee. The group works to support and improve the Irish aquaculture industry through representation nationally and internationally, protecting the industry, and promoting its positive aspects. The document then outlines IFA Aquaculture's structure and representation on various committees and in submissions. It lists the group's priorities which include licensing implementation and contributing to strategic plans and reviews.

1. IFA AQUACULTURE
CONFERENCE
HOTEL WESTPORT – 7TH
APRIL 2022
Teresa Morrissey
IFA Aquaculture Executive

2. Consolidated group representing all sectors of Irish Aquaculture industry: Fish;
Shellfish; Seaweeds
IFA Aquaculture National Committee – Michael Mulloy – Chairman
Innovative approach in representing the interests and concerns of the
aquaculture industry in Ireland
Supporting improvement and development of the Irish Aquaculture industry
Protection of Irish indigenous Aquaculture industry
Promoting positive aspects of Irish Aquaculture
Strong industry representation nationally and internationally
IFA AQUACULTURE – STRUCTURE

3. REPRESENTATION
•International / EU
 Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC)
 European Mollusc Producers Association
(EMPA)
 Federation of European Aquaculture
Producers (FEAP)
 International Salmon Farmers Association
(ISFA)
•National
• Seafood Taskforce
• National Organic Forum
• Common Fisheries Policy Review Group
• Marine Spatial Planning Advisory group
• Molluscan Shellfish Safety Committee
(MSSC)
• Bottom Mussel forum
• EMFAF Operational Programme
Monitoring Committee
• Certified Quality Aquaculture (CQA)
Oversight Board
• CLAMS – Co-ordinated Local
Aquaculture Management Systems

4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION SUBMISSIONS
2021/2022
IFA Aquaculture Submissions & Public Consultation participation 2021-
22
Seafood Taskforce 14 meetings, 4 Submissions, 2
Presentations
Nature Bilateral Dialogue (Birds & Habitats
Directives)
Contributed to public consultation process
National Parks Wildlife Service Review Contributed to public consultation process
Marine Protected Areas IFA Aquaculture submission submitted
Draft River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027 IFA Aquaculture submission submitted
Offshore Renewable Energy: Maritime Area Consent
(MAC)
IFA Aquaculture submission submitted

5. IFA AQUACULTURE PRIORITIES
Implementation of Aquaculture licensing review recommendations
– Guidance needed on the progress of the timeline for
implementation.
Strategic Guidelines for Sustainable EU Aquaculture & National
Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture - being drafted.
National Marine Planning Framework – Final plan & legislative Bill
has been passed by the Oireachtas - Aquaculture not part of the
legislative Bill.
Marine Protected Areas – ongoing process of designation over the
next few years.
Environmental Services – IFA working on a policy proposal to
provide a service to members in relation to Environmental
Objectives with a view to licencing renewals process.

6. IFA AQUACULTURE PRIORITIES
Organics - Regulation 848/2018 (Water Quality for Mussels) & Irish
Organic Salmon (increased pressure on Market share)
Increased Costs – EU Commission activated crisis fund for fisheries
and aquaculture
EMFAF crisis mechanism temporary measure – 24th February 2022 until the end
of 2022
Member States must include in the next version of their EMFAF programme
Common Fisheries Policy Review group – the current CFP Regulation
(Regulation EU 380/2013) concludes at the end of 2022, Review
group
Seafood Taskforce & BAR funding – IFA contributed to numerous
discussions, proposals and submissions - €60m Aquaculture Fund

7. SEAFOOD TASKFORCE REPORT
• Final Report Published – 11th Oct 2021
‘thriving and dynamic Irish aquaculture sector, not limited by quota, has the
potential to mitigate some of the damage caused by the TCA through
providing opportunities in the seafood sector that would otherwise be lost,
while creating jobs and economic activity in our coastal communities.’
• Taskforce Recommendation: €60m fund for Irish Aquaculture –
Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund/EMFAF
‘Develop Irish aquaculture to mitigate against the negative impacts of Brexit
that have been most pronounced in other sectors of the Irish seafood
industry.’
modernisation of production sites in line with international best practice
Increase resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact
advance understanding of market opportunities and innovation capability
develop technical, marketing and management capability

8. AQUACULTURE IS PART OF THE
SOLUTION
Aquaculture production will be key to meeting global demands for seafood produce in the
coming years - Irish Aquaculture production needs to be part of meeting these demands
Smarter, more efficient food production systems needed to increase production sustainably
and ensure secure food sources into the future
Research and innovation are key drivers accelerating transition to sustainable, healthy, and
inclusive food systems from primary production to consumption
Aquaculture contributes to meeting Climate action targets - carbon sequestration value,
carbon efficient food production, renewable energy sources and creating smart jobs with
investment in adaptive technology
Significant investment is required for innovation in Irish Aquaculture - provides employment
opportunities in the Irish Seafood sector sustaining coastal communities
Aquaculture is part of the solution !

9. THANK YOU