Studies will help build aquabusiness sector

The Irish seafood industry currently employs more than 14,000 according to the BIM 2017 Business of Seafood Report – and training and continued professional development are essential to the continued growth of the sector. That’s where the Higher Diploma in Aquabusiness comes in – with the aiming of helping to expand Ireland’s global seafood sector. The Aquabusiness programme aims to assist producers, managers and entrepreneurs, the programme has strong links with industry and includes lectures, work placement, guest lecturers and site visits. Joseph Gibbons is Marine Operations Manager with Marine Harvest and a HDip in Business in Aquabusiness student. “The Aquabusiness higher diploma has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge and skills to become more business minded,” he said. “I have over 32 years’ experience in the Aquaculture industry and now I have been given the opportunity to gain the required Qualifications to be an even better Business leader. “I am now a fully resources Business person that will help ensure that Ireland is seen by the world as one of the leaders in the development of Aquaculture and Fishing, producing the highest quality food with a very low impact on the natural environment. “Our ocean accounts for 70% of the world yet less than 4% of the world’s food comes from the sea. With a growing population this has to change,” he added.