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 tonnes 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.
"Ireland is well-placed to be a key supplier of sea food, meats, dairy products, and beverages as well as other products and services to China."
Boarfish catch quotas were first introduced at EU level in 2011.
Ireland negotiated a quota equating to two-thirds of the overall EU total allowable catch.
The quota for Ireland in 2012 was 56,666 tonnes.
To date this year, 39 Irish trawlers have caught over 53,000 tonnes of boarfish.
