Nine marine and seafood industry organisations have expressed opposition to any move to break up Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

In several joints statements, the organisations have warned that merging the marketing functions of BIM with Bord Bia will "further marginalize the fishing industry at a time when it is facing major threats".

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has said that no formal decision has been taken, but several options are being examined.

Last month, the BIM chairman, Mr Hugh Byrne, who is former Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford, said that he would be opposed to such a development.

The Irish Fishermen's Organisation, the Irish South and East Fishermen's Organisation, the Irish Association of Seafood Companies and the Irish Trout Growers' Association have issued a statement appealing to the Minister, Mr Dermot Ahern, to oppose any such merger and are seeking an urgent meeting with him on the issue.

The Irish Fish Producers' Organisation, the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, the Irish South and West Fish Producers' Organisation have made a similar appeal, as have the Irish Salmon Growers' Association and the Irish Shellfish Association, representing the aquaculture sector.