Seafood retailers in Howth participating in the Seafood Academy's "Famous for Fish" initiative (from left): David Wright (Wright's of Howth), Paul Grenville (Reid's Fish Market), Sean Doran (Doran's on the Pier), Martin McLoughlin (Nicky's Plaice), Alan Beshoff (Beshoff's), Graham Murphy (Kish Fish).
Photo: BIM
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, has announced the creation of the Seafood Academy, a national programme designed to help independent Irish seafood businesses with training, development and consumer engagement.
The agency said the initiative will provide business development support, skills training and opportunities for collaboration, with the aim of boosting appreciation and sales of sustainable Irish seafood.
The first project under the Academy has begun this week in the fishing village of Howth near Dublin, where six local seafood retailers have joined forces to launch a new website and marketing campaign, famousforfish.ie.
The campaign, featuring participating businesses Nicky’s Plaice, Dorans on the Pier, Kish Fish, Reid’s Fish Market, Wrights of Howth and Beshoff’s the Market, aims to highlight the quality of fresh local seafood and the expertise of the fishmongers.
The Howth initiative will also be presented at the Howth Harbour Festival in September, which organisers say will further promote Irish seafood heritage.
“While the Irish seafood retail market was valued at €333 million in 2024, much of the growth has come from rising prices rather than increased demand," said Paul Ward, Head of Business Intelligence at BIM.
"The Seafood Academy empowers independent seafood retailers to build consumer appreciation for local seafood through education, collaboration, and shared business insights. It will also elevate understanding and appreciation of Irish seafood within the foodservice sector through targeted education and business intelligence programmes," he added.
“Fishing is at the heart of Howth’s history, and we’re proud to continue that tradition by working together to showcase the very best seafood our pier has to offer," added local retailer Martin McLoughlin of Nicky’s Plaice. "The new Howth: Famous for Fish website makes it easier than ever for people to discover our fishmongers, learn about our catch, and get inspired with fresh ideas for their table.”
BIM said the Seafood Academy forms part of a broader strategy to establish regional clusters of seafood businesses across the country. A new cluster is planned for South County Dublin by the end of 2025, with further clusters expected in 2026.
Ward added: “Through this cluster-led approach, BIM aims to ensure that independent fishmongers remain a vibrant and resilient part of Ireland’s seafood sector, supporting local jobs and the wider economy.”