Ocean of
opportunity for Inishowen's seafood sector
21.06.22
SAFER has launched an open
call for new, fully funded technology pilots aimed at
organisations operating in the seafood sector, including
Inishowen.
SAFER is a transnational innovation project, co-funded
by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme 2014-2020, that
aims to improve the innovation performance of the
seafood industry by increasing technology adoption and
transnational cooperation. The project, led by ERNACT,
brings together academia, public authorities, and marine
organisations across 5 countries, to implement and
improve manual processes utilising innovative
technological solutions. |
The first phase of project
SAFER saw four successful pilot initiatives implemented
in the Northwest, with researchers at the ATU Donegal
WiSAR Lab and Údarás na Gaeltachta collaborating with
the Loughs Agency, Irish Fish Canners and seafood giant
MOWI.
Academic Director of the WiSAR Lab at ATU Donegal, Dr
Nick Timmons, highlighted the strong impact of the
previous SAFER pilots.
“Since the project commenced in 2017, WiSAR has worked
with various organisations operating in the blue economy
including two separate pilot initiatives with the Loughs
Agency, a cross-border organisation, that aims to
provide sustainable economic and environmental benefits
through the development of marine resources in the Foyle
and Carlingford Areas. These pilot initiatives included
the development of a remote, oyster farm monitoring
solution and an oyster bag tagging app, for sustainable
oyster fishing.”
Project leader, Jose Manuel, of ERNACT, said that “We
are delighted to launch this new open call for pilot
initiatives under SAFER, building on the previously
successful implementation of several pilots and we would
encourage all organisations operating in the seafood
industry across Donegal and the Northwest to get in
touch with us to explore the potential to improve a
process, service or product and drive greater
efficiencies”
“It has been a very challenging time for the sector in
navigating the challenges posed by Brexit and Covid-19,
and this new SAFER call is a great opportunity for
organisations to revaluate processes and enhance
competitiveness.”
Dr Nick Timmons appealed to local seafood organisations
to take advantage of the new SAFER pilot call in
response to the ongoing uncertainty within the sector.
“The adoption of new technologies can increase the
efficiency and moreover, the sustainability, of the
marine economy, which is crucial to many local
economies, including Donegal.”
“This new pilot call presents a timely and unique
opportunity for local seafood organisations to mitigate
the ever-increasing challenges posed by the global
marketplace without the need for in-house expertise or
capital commitments.”
I would urge all seafood organisations in the Northwest
to consider applying for this new SAFER pilot call
before the closing date on June 30th.”
To apply for the new SAFER pilot call visit
Saferatlantic.eu or for more information email
info@saferatlantic.eu . |
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