China is set to welcome imports of boarfish from Ireland, Chinese authorities have told the Irish embassy in Beijing.
Boarfish has become more abundant off the south coast of Ireland, and is used in the production of fishmeal, fish oils, and increasingly seafood products for humans.
Following an Irish trade mission to China in April, Chinese seafood companies received trial samples of over 70 metric tons of boarfish, which have led to orders for commercial-scale exports.
Simon Coveney, the agriculture, food, and marine minister, is set to negotiate a new boarfish quota at the EU’s upcoming Fisheries Council.
Mr Coveney said: "China is a key strategic trade partner for Ireland and has a strong demand for imports of high-quality seafood, given the size of its population.
