Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority Publishes 2024 Report on Safeguarding Seafood Trade

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has unveiled its Protecting Seafood Trade Report 2024, which outlines the essential efforts made to ensure the integrity and compliance of Ireland’s seafood trade. In 2024, the value of Irish seafood exports reached €595 million, showcasing a robust recovery in international market activities.

Highlights from the 2024 Report

• A total of 5,959 consignments of seafood, equivalent to 63,768 tonnes across 26 species, were certified for export from 61 Food Businesses to 46 countries outside the EU in 2024.
• This export volume represents a significant increase of 57% compared to 2023’s volume of 49,782 tonnes, although it remains 18% lower than the 78,181 tonnes recorded in 2022.
• Three countries—Nigeria (45.7%), Ghana (7.8%), and the UK (7.6%)—accounted for a substantial 61.1% of Ireland’s seafood exports outside the EU in 2024.
• The majority of exports (87.5%) comprised pelagic species, such as Blue Whiting, Mackerel, and Horse Mackerel.

A Year of Recovery

2024 has marked a pivotal recovery for Ireland’s international seafood trade. The substantial year-on-year increase in export volumes reflects the strategic efforts of the SFPA in managing seafood trade compliance. The authority certified 5,959 export consignments in 2024, demonstrating a 57% rise from the previous year.

Commitment to Integrity and Compliance

Paschal Hayes, Executive Chairperson of the SFPA, expressed his support for the report, stating: “Ireland as a food-exporting nation places significant emphasis on our position as a supplier of safe, traceable, sustainably produced high-quality food. The SFPA plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of our valuable seafood offerings.”

Hayes further highlighted that illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a serious threat to sustainable fishing practices, which many coastal communities rely on for their livelihoods, including those in Ireland. The SFPA is committed to employing all necessary controls to detect and deter IUU activities.

Ensuring Seafood Safety and Quality

Regulatory practices, including health certifications, bolster confidence in the safety of Irish seafood products, assuring retailers and consumers alike. Maintaining Ireland’s reputation for producing superior seafood is crucial, and the integrity of the supply chain plays a vital role in achieving this.

Continued Development in Seafood Regulation

In 2024, the SFPA expanded its efforts in seafood trade regulation through technical market access support and official controls concerning seafood safety and conservation. The adherence to EU official control regulations and fisheries conservation laws establishes a strong regulatory framework for Ireland’s seafood certification system. Rigorous inspections and health certifications of export consignments provide essential public health and customer assurance regarding seafood safety and quality standards.

Read the full report here.