Clean Coasts Roadshow visits Carlingford Lough for oyster farm tour

On Saturday 22 March, An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Programme teamed up with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Carlingford Oyster Company to host an oyster farm tour in north Louth.

The event, which took place at Carlingford Lough, welcomed members from Carlingford Tidy Towns and Omeath Tidy Towns to learn about sustainable oyster farming and the vital role it plays in the local environment.

The award-winning Carlingford Oyster Company provided an informative and engaging tour, walking the group through the step-by-step process of oyster management and production. An oyster taste-test and lunch were also kindly provided for attendees.

Carlingford Lough, is classified by the European Union as Class A – the highest possible water quality grade, and was the perfect setting for this informative event. BIM also generously supplied a skip for coastline clean-ups over the weekend, which was filled with litter collected by end.  

The family-run business has been operating for 50 years, and produces around 2.5 million oysters per year. Approximately 60% of the company’s sales are exported to the UK, with 20% sold domestically in Ireland. It takes over three years for Carlingford oysters to reach maturity, and the company maintains a close relationship with BIM.

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The company is one of four businesses engaged in oyster farming in the Carlingford Lough area, alongside several mussel farms, making it a key player in Ireland’s aquaculture industry. 

Clean Coasts Officer for Co Louth, Aidan Gray, expressed his gratitude after the event, stating: “The farm tour visit was incredibly valuable to see up-close the operations of a working oyster farm. The owners were so kind to guide through the process and their hospitality for sampling some in their warm tasting area inside.

"Their story is an inspiring one. They also are involved with keeping the coastline clean, and trying to prevent waste being produced by the farming practice.” 

The Clean Coasts Roadshow is a series of informative talks and workshops tailored for coastal communities across Ireland, taking place between January and May each year. This initiative brings together individuals interested in protecting their local beaches, seas, and marine environments.  

The Roadshow events cover a range of topics, including biodiversity, dune systems, marine litter, wildlife, sustainable developments, and the work of local groups and organisations. These events also serve as a platform for community groups to discuss practical matters, such as building volunteer capacity, attracting new members, and sharing responsibilities. 

For more information on the Clean Coasts Programme and upcoming Roadshow events, please visit https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/clean-coasts-roadshow/