Partner with us to advance aquaculture innovation in one of Ireland’s most pristine marine environments.
Mulroy Bay has been recognised internationally as a model for organic aquaculture. In a recent Euronews Green feature, local fishers and innovators highlighted how seaweed farming is transforming Donegal’s coastal economy.
Jerry Gallagher, a former fisherman, explained: “The effort per catch now is huge… I wouldn’t do it.” His family turned to aquaculture after fish stocks declined, finding new opportunity in cultivating mussels, oysters, and seaweed.
Lorraine Gallagher, general manager of The Seaweed Company, added: “We have such an amazing coastline here in Ireland… there’s huge potential with seaweed!”
Seaweed farming offers off-season employment, supports biodiversity, and produces nutrient-rich food with proven gut health benefits. Their Donegal facility processes up to 300 kg per hour into flakes for the food industry, showing how tradition and innovation can thrive together.
At North West Shell Fish Ltd, research and innovation are central to our mission. We invest in facilities and projects that advance sustainable aquaculture and strengthen our global reach.
We are building a state-of-the-art marine hatchery to produce our own seeds and supply other producers, ensuring self-sufficiency and supporting the wider aquaculture community.
Our team has participated in numerous EU and domestic research initiatives, pioneering best practices for cultivating several species and contributing to the advancement of aquaculture science.
Mulroy Bay’s official disease-free status allows us to export shellfish for ongrowing into any bay in Europe, reinforcing our reputation for quality and reliability.
We work closely with research partners to trial new cultivation techniques, improve sustainability, and share knowledge across the aquaculture sector.
Seaweed harvesting runs deep in Donegal’s coastal communities. By blending tradition with modern research, we create impact that is culturally grounded and globally relevant.
Explore Mulroy Bay’s potential for your next project. Whether testing ideas or scaling trials, North West Shell Fish Ltd provides facilities and expertise to support your journey.
📧 Email: info@sustainableaquaculture.ie · 📞 +353 86-8092246
Mulroy Bay has been recognised internationally as a model for organic aquaculture. In a Euronews Green feature, Donegal’s innovators shared how seaweed farming is transforming coastal communities.
Jerry Gallagher, once a fisherman, turned to aquaculture after fish stocks declined. His daughter Lorraine, trained in human nutrition, now manages the family’s seaweed company, cultivating Atlantic Wakame (Alaria esculenta).
Seeding begins in October and by April the seaweed is ready for harvest. This cycle provides off‑season employment for fishers and mussel farmers, sustaining local livelihoods.
Their factory processes up to 300 kg per hour into flakes for the food industry. Seaweed blends can even substitute meat — a 25% seaweed meat blend
Supported by the EU’s Algae Initiative, seaweed farming helps restore ocean health and protect coastlines from erosion. Europe currently produces only 0.2% of global algae
“Seaweed is absolutely delicious… crunchy, sweet, with the saltiness of the sea.” — Lorraine Gallagher
Our work in Mulroy Bay has been highlighted by Euronews Green as part of Europe’s sustainable aquaculture future.
“Seaweed farming offers off‑season employment, supports biodiversity, and produces nutrient‑rich food.”