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Bord Iascaigh Mhara

6 schemes tracked

Seafood Capacity Building Scheme

The Seafood Capacity Building Scheme supports industry members to take part in BIM-led international field missions aimed at building industry knowledge and technology transfer in sustainability, fisheries conservation, innovation and competitiveness. It covers 50% of eligible flight and subsistence costs for participants attending BIM-approved missions, which are always accompanied by at least one BIM staff member.

Grant range
Varies based on travel costs
Funding level
50%
Support type
Grant
Last checked
3 Sept 2026
Start this application on Bord Iascaigh Mhara's website (opens in a new tab)

About this scheme

The Seafood Capacity Building Scheme supports industry participation in BIM-led international field missions intended to build knowledge or support technology transfer in sustainability, fisheries conservation, innovation and competitiveness. It runs under the EMFAF Operational Programme 2020-2027, covering EMFAF objectives on sustainable fishing, sustainable and competitive aquaculture, and marketing/processing of fisheries and aquaculture products. It is open to industry members in the fisheries, aquaculture, aquatech and seafood processing sectors; aquaculture operators need an Aquaculture licence, seafood processors need SFPA registration, and aquatech companies face additional requirements via BIM's Aquatech Business Manager. The support rate is 50% of eligible costs, limited to economy-class return flights from an Irish international airport and subsistence at Public Service rates. Ineligible costs include standard operating costs, equipment, other travel/subsistence, event fees, and advocacy-related travel. Field missions are BIM-organised and BIM-approved, each accompanied by at least one BIM staff member; approved attendees automatically receive a grant aid offer and submit a claim form after the trip.

Who can apply

  • Applicant must be an industry member operating in the fisheries, aquaculture, aquatech or seafood processing sectors
  • Aquaculture operators must hold an Aquaculture licence
  • Seafood processing businesses must have SFPA registration
  • Aquatech companies have additional requirements and must contact BIM's Aquatech Business Manager
  • Applicant must be attending a BIM-organised and BIM-approved international field mission (a limited number are run annually)
  • Support rate is 50% of eligible costs (economy-class flights from an Irish international airport, quoted via BIM's travel partner, plus subsistence at Public Service rates)
  • Standard operational costs, equipment purchases, other travel/subsistence, event entrance fees, and travel for advocacy or lobbying are ineligible

How to apply

  1. BIM organises a limited number of field missions annually as part of its strategic work programme; clients are informed as necessary ahead of these events
  2. If approved to attend a field mission, the applicant automatically receives an offer of grant aid
  3. Following the trip, submit the claim form that is sent together with the offer of grant aid
  4. For enquiries about the grant aid available, email BIM's Grant Help Desk