Ireland

Type of species farmed

Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), oysters (different species, such as Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)), trout and seaweed.

^{Source: 2025, The Annual Aquaculture Report, BIM}

Type of production method

The majority of Irish production occurs in sea and brackish water, while only 1% takes place in freshwater. 

The following main production methods were used: 

• 59% of production: off bottom in sea brackish water.
• 28% of production: in cages in sea and brackish water. 
• 12% of production: on bottom in sea and brackish water.

^{Source: 2025, The Annual Aquaculture Report, BIM & EUMOFA}

Trends (past and future)

Past:

• Evolution from a small-scale, cottage industry in the 1980s to a relevant economic sector. 
• Decline in production volume since 2005 but increase in value due to improved quality and marketing. 
• Historical dominance of salmon as the main economic driver. 
• Development of a strongly export-oriented sector.

Future / current trends:

• Growth driven by salmon, with high dependence on this segment. 
• Stagnation or decline in shellfish segments (oysters and mussels). 
• Rising operational costs (energy, feed, wages). 
• Greater focus on innovation, diversification, and higher value-added products. 
• Need to adapt to environmental and regulatory constraints.

^{Source: 2025, The Annual Aquaculture Report, BIM}

Impact of aquaculture in the country’s economy, food market and labour market

• The aquaculture sector produces fish, shellfish, and seaweed for consumption or further processing. Shellfish are sold live or processed, finfish are marketed in fresh or value-added forms, and the growing seaweed segment supplies ingredients for food, pet food, and other industries. 
• Generates over €210 million in sales and €73 million in Gross Value Added (GVA). 
• Significant contribution to coastal and rural economies. 
• Strong multiplier effect: every 10 direct jobs support 5 additional jobs.
• Key export sector, with around 70% of production destined for international markets. 
• Overall profitability positive in 2024, though uneven across segments. 
• Employs around 1,835 people, despite a recent 6% decline.
• Employment growth in the finfish segment (especially salmon). 
• Job losses in shellfish, particularly in rural and coastal areas. 
• Creation of indirect jobs in logistics, processing, and related services. 
• Important role in sustaining local communities. 
• Contributes to food security through fish and seafood production. 
• Strong export orientation, with a smaller role for domestic consumption. 
• Wide product range: fresh fish, processed products, and live or processed shellfish. 
• Increasing product value based on quality and differentiation. 
• Dependence on international markets, especially European ones (e.g., France).

^{Source: 2025, The Annual Aquaculture Report, BIM}

Challenges and opportunities

^{Source: 2025, The Annual Aquaculture Report, BIM}

Employment and number of enterprises

In 2024 the number of enterprises was 277 and 1,835 employees.

^{Source: 2025, The Annual Aquaculture Report, BIM}

• Aquaculture is mainly regulated through the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Fisheries and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2001
• Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006
• Aquaculture (Licence Application) Regulations 1998 as amended
• Foreshore Act 1933 as amended

The information can be obtained from the Aquaculture & Foreshore Management

• Irish Farmer Association (IFA)
• Irish Salmon Growers Association (ISGA)
• Irish Shellfish Association (ISA)
• Irish Trout Growers Group (ITGG) 

Sources

• EUMOFA Country Profiles
• EUMOFA “The EU Fish Market” 2025 edition
• STECF 24-14 - EU Aquaculture
• The Annual Aquaculture Report: Socio-economic performance in 2024. Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)