The Marine Institute was set up under the Marine Institute Act 1991: “to undertake, to coordinate, to promote and to assist in marine research and development and to provide such services related to research and development, that in the opinion of the Institute, will promote economic development and create employment and protect the marine environment.” We are the State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. We provide scientific and technical advice to the Government to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resources. In order to achieve our vision, we have six service areas including Ocean Science and Information Services, Marine Environment & Food Safety Services, Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services, Irish Maritime Development Office, Corporate Services and Policy, and Innovation and Research Support Services.

The Marine Institute operate the IMTA Lab Ireland which is an open-water IMTA production system located off the west coast of Ireland. The aim of this task is to develop and validate cost-effective IMTA processes. The MI will explore the feasibility of the cultivation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), European lobster (Homarus gammarus), native oyster (Ostrea edulis), queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis), seaweed spp. and spiny sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) as part of the Irish IMTA lab, in Lehanagh Pool, Bertraghboy Bay, in Connemara. Production technologies for these species will be assessed and optimised in the IMTA system. IMTA Lab Ireland will operate in line with organic standards to enhance potential profitability and mitigate environmental impact. New methods of culturing native oysters, lobster, queen scallops and sea urchins will be assessed for suitability for integration into the culture system. Suitable seaweed species will be assessed for cultivation within the IMTA system. IMTA Lab Ireland will seek to establish best practice for the cultivation of these species by monitoring and assessing animal welfare, biosecurity, and health management.