The Irish ministry for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has called its country's stakeholders to wisely invest in aquaculture to ensure consistent supply of raw material needed to meet the steadily growing market demand. Speaking at a conference 'Steering towards 2007-2013: What Support for the common fisheries policy and coastal zone development?,' Dermot Ahern TD, the Irish minister, stressed the need of achieving a balance between what is on the water and what is in the water, which is the available fisheries resource. Appealing to the stakeholders to build the future investment in the seafood sector on the bedrock of sustainability, the minister has called to help shape the future of structural investment in the seafood sector. "A sector

that espouses responsibility in harvesting and for its environment, encourages synergies between producer and consumer, is characterised by strong entrepreneurial skills. A sector that is recognised for resolute commitment to quality and safety and delivers competitive returns on investment," the minister said. "Aquaculture production continues to provide excellent opportunities for growth in seafood production. Continued investment support with a strong emphasis on diversifying production needs be encouraged in the period post 2006," said the minister outlining the growing importance of the aquaculture industry. The main sessions of the conference organised by the European Commission Directorate-General for Fisheries and the Donegal County Council included the sustainable development of coastal zones; Aquaculture, the processing of marine products and other productive investments; Fleet management; and the programming and implementation of the future financial instrument.