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BIM is Ireland’s seafood development agency, dedicated to supporting a sustainable, innovative and globally competitive seafood sector.

We provide technical expertise, business support funding and training to help businesses adapt and thrive in changing market conditions. Through collaboration, innovation and a strong focus on sustainability, we work to maximise the value of Ireland’s seafood resources while promoting responsible environmental practice.

Who we are?

BIM is the Irish State agency responsible for developing Ireland’s seafood industry.

  • Established in 1952 under the Irish Sea Fisheries Act
  • Operates under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine  
  • Expertise across fisheries, aquaculture, processing and market development
  • Focused on sustainability, innovation and economic growth

Who we service?

We support stakeholders across Ireland’s seafood value chain, including: 

  • Seafood producers and processors
  • Fishing vessel owners and the fishing community
  • Aquaculture operators and businesses
  • People working in and new entrants to the seafood sector

What we do?

BIM drives the development of Ireland’s seafood industry through technical services, training, business support and funding. Our goal is to enhance competitiveness, sustainability and market success. We support the sustainable development of Ireland’s seafood industry, enhancing its economic value, environmental responsibility and global competitiveness.  We work closely with stakeholders across fishing, aquaculture and processing to build resilient businesses, promote innovation, and ensure the responsible use of marine resources

  • Manage funding programmes and grants for industry growth
  • Provide training and technical expertise
  • Support sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices  
  • Deliver business planning, innovation and market insights

At a glance

Focus

Our focus is to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s seafood industry — enhancing its economic value, environmental responsibility, and global competitiveness. We work closely with stakeholders across fishing, aquaculture, and processing to build resilient businesses, promote innovation, and ensure the responsible use of marine resources.

Sectors

BIM serves the Irish seafood sector, supporting businesses involved in:

  • Commercial fishing (inshore and offshore)
  • Aquaculture  
  • Seafood processing and value-added production
Network

BIM has a national presence , with regional development officers and technical experts based around the Irish coast to support local industry needs. 

  • Head office: Crofton Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • Regional offices and training centres in counties Cork, Galway, Donegal, and Wexford
  • Nationwide network serving all coastal communities
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Supports from Bord Iascaigh Mhara

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Aquaculture Funding

Funding for Irish Aquaculture Industry

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is the primary funding programme for the seafood sector. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU.

Grants & Funding

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a new entrant to the Irish seafood sector or currently employed within the sector who wish to upskill

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions. 

 

Fisheries Funding

Funding for the Irish Fisheries Industry

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is the primary funding programme for the seafood sector. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU

Grants & Funding

You may be eligible if:

  •  You are a small-scale coastal fishery and vessels up to 24 meters as well as promote aquaculture. 

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Seafood Processing Funding

Funding for the Irish Seafood Processing Industry

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is the primary funding programme for the seafood sector. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU

Grants & Funding

You may be eligible if:

  • You are an applicant who is both an onshore processing SME and have an SFPA approval number with activity code FFPP (Fresh Fishing Products Plant) or PP (Processing Plant)  

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.  
 

Irish Seafood Industry Insights

Insights into the Irish Seafood Industry

BIM provides insights on a range of topics and sectors in the seafood industry including fishing and aquaculture.

Advice & Mentoring

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a business interested in the seafood sector

Fisheries, Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Training

Training for Irish Seafood Industry

Seafood Training Programmes and workshops are available across all sectors of the Irish Seafood Industry.

Advice & Mentoring

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a novice entrant looking to explore a new career path in the Fishing, Aquaculture or Retail and Processing sector, and skills development for existing members of the seafood industry to add value, both on an individual professional basis and to the overall seafood business.  

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.  
 

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“

Collaborating with you is essential for creating a dynamic future for businesses in Ireland.

“

Sarah

Innovate Solutions Project Manager
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