The AQUAMIS project launched a public online aquaculture viewing portal and facilitates the digital processing of aquaculture licence applications
The phase 1 launch of AQUAMIS includes an online viewer which will develop an overall aquaculture management information system for aquaculture licences in Ireland. Phase 1 of the AQUAMIS project involves the launch of the public online aquaculture viewing portal, it will also allow for the digital processing of aquaculture licence applications by Department of Agriculture staff via data entry screens within an internal web portal. This involved the Department digitally mapping Ireland’s coastline and integrating data sets from both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Marine Institute.
Commenting on the launch the Minister McConalogue said, “I’m delighted to deliver on the Government’s commitment to the further implementation of the recommendations of the Aquaculture License Review Group.
“This is the first step in digitising our aquaculture licensing application process. I’d like to acknowledge the excellent work of the department in digitally mapping this activity and integrating datasets from the Marine Institute and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This innovative portal will for the first time provide a valuable online search facility for licensed aquaculture activity available to the general public and all our stakeholders.”
The online viewer will allow members of the public to freely access and view licensed aquaculture sites and mapping information through a public portal and was developed in collaboration with the Marine Institute.
Speaking at the announcement the CEO of the Marine Institute, Dr Paul Connolly said, “the aquaculture licensing sites viewer provides an important digital tool to facilitate the management of aquaculture in Ireland’s marine and fresh waters. The system will assist with the licensing and management of aquaculture operations throughout the country.
“This new digital application enables high-quality marine data and information to be more readily available for all, and is part of the Marine Institute’s service delivery to government, industry and the public.”
AQUAMIS will be a one stop shop for the aquaculture licence application process, enhance the sharing of information and reduce the administrative burden on the Department of Agriculture © The Seaweed Company
Phase 2 of the project is currently being developed over a 24-month period to become a fully online system with all application and supporting data being submitted electronically by the applicant. AQUAMIS will also be integrated into other Government systems such as the National Marine Planning Framework online portal and the wider marine spatial planning system.
According to a news release from the Department of Agriculture, AQUAMIS will be a one stop shop for the aquaculture licence application process, enhance the sharing of information and reduce the administrative burden. For the first time the viewer will provide access to the location and coordinates for licensed aquaculture activity.
