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With growing appreciation of the benefits of having a healthy
diet, wild caught sea fish and shellfish are attracting an increasing
customer base. Better eating habits means better health and in this
respect food from the sea is extremely important.
Fish is high in proteins, a number of vitamins, as well as Omega
3 fatty acids, which are important in the prevention of cardiovascular
diseases. Recent research has shown that Omega 3 acids are also
effective against a range of infections, diabetes and certain types
of cancer. Seafood is also delicious to eat!
By far the most important species for the majority of our fleet
is Nephrops or Dublin Bay Prawns, which are harvested sustainably
in waters all around the UK and Ireland, and are then exported throughout
Europe. ANIFPO member vessels annually catch around 3,500 Tonnes
of this shellfish, the majority of which are landed into Northern
Irish ports.
Prawns are landed in two forms. The ‘tail’ of the
animal is turned into scampi, while the whole animal is packed and
exported to France, Spain and Italy.
Most prawns landed by our members in Northern Ireland are sold
through our Fish Sales Division, to the various local processors
(see Fish Sales page).
Demersal species such as cod, haddock, monkfish and hake are
an important component of the fishery. Scallops, mussels, crabs
and lobsters are the other important shellfish species targeted
by our  member
vessels.
Pelagic species such as mackerel and herring are harvested by
large modern trawlers fitted with the latest refrigeration equipment
to ensure the catch is maintained to the highest possible standard.
Fish and shellfish landed into Northern Ireland and by our vessels
are renowned for their quality. The main fishing grounds in the
Irish Sea are only a few hours steaming time from the local harbours.
The use of ice and other modern techniques designed to ensure the
highest standards aboard our member vessels is actively promoted.
The PO has actively encouraged its member vessels
to apply for the Sea Fish Industry Authority’s Responsible
Fishing Scheme (RFS), which has been developed to raise standards
in the catching sector and  demonstrate
the seafood supply chain’s commitment to the responsible sourcing
of seafood. Based on a Publicly Available Specification from the
British Standards Institute (BSi), the RFS is an independent, audited
assessment of the application of good practice by a vessel skipper
and crew in their fishing operations and covers amongst other areas
environmental considerations.
ANIFPO aims to have all its vessels certified to RFS standard
by the spring of 2008 and is planning to pursue other internationally
recognised schemes to underline the sustainability of its fisheries
in the Irish Sea and environmentally friendly fishing methods of
its member vessels.
For more information on the RFS scheme, please go here.
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