Displaying items by tag: Jason Whooley

29th May 2014

Jason Whooley Resigns as Bord Iascaigh Mhara CEO

#BIM – Jason Whooley has resigned as CEO of Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The Board of Directors of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, today announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer effective from the 30 August 2014. In a statement published on its website the board praised Mr. Whooley for the wide-ranging positive changes he has made to the organisation during his tenure and the valuable contribution he has made towards the development of the Irish Seafood Sector.

Kieran Calnan, Chairman of the Board stated; 'Since joining BIM, Jason has led the refocusing of the agency into the modern semi-state company that we see today. On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank Jason for his work in BIM. I know that he is leaving BIM with a legacy of change and increased ambition. The BIM strategy to which he has contributed enormously remains our key focus and BIM will continue to lead the industry forward to take advantage of the global opportunity for Irish seafood. I wish him every success in his future career'

Mr. Whooley was full of praise for the staff of BIM and the industry; 'The staff in BIM have an incredible knowledge of the industry; they are dedicated and passionate about what they do and this, together with innovative thinking makes BIM a great organisation. I would like to personally thank all of the people in BIM and in our industry for their support during my term as CEO. I have enjoyed my time in BIM and I know the organisation will continue to build on its strong tradition and deliver further growth in the seafood sector'

Published in Fishing

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Jason Whooley

BIM Decries 'Scare Tactics', Urges Support for Fish Farming

#FISHING - Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has called on environmental campaigners opposed to changes in the current fish farm licensing system to "get behind Ireland's aquaculture industry".

In a letter to The Irish Times yesterday, the fisheries board wrote in response to Tony Lowes of Friends of the Irish Environment, whose own letter to the paper on Tuesday lambasted the IFA's claims of an "inexplicable delay" in the State's processing of licence applications for new fish farms off the west coast.

BIM chief executive Jason Whooley said it was "refreshing" to read Lowes "expressing confidence in and support for the current Irish aquaculture licensing system", which is "both rigorous and science-based... involves a high level of public consultation and is fully transparent."

However, Whooley hit out at what he described as Lowes' "scare tactics" and "spurious" attempts "to mislead by comparing the output from a salmon farm with human sewage".

Lowes had written that salmon farming "is a highly polluting industry", and that discharge of nitrogen and phosphorous from aquaculture facilities "can fuel toxic algae blooms, which have cost the shellfish industry dear".

Whooley countered that argument, stating that "the harmful elements from human sewage, such as E.coli, cryptosporidium or viruses, are simply not present in the excretions from cold-blooded creatures, such as the Atlantic salmon."

He also urged Lowes to "get behind Ireland’s aquaculture industry and support it as a sustainable and valuable source", adding that "increasing the output of farmed Irish organic-certified salmon represents a great opportunity to create a large number of sustainable jobs in Ireland’s coastal communities."

Published in BIM

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.