Seven fishing skippers have qualified for the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) wild salmon quality scheme - the first such scheme for wild fish in the world, writes Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent

The seven skippers - three from Donegal and four from Waterford - have been presented with their EN45011 certification by the Minister of State for the Marine, Mr John Browne.

A further 12 vessels are due for accreditation shortly.

The EN45011 standard authenticates the reputation of Irish wild salmon and is described by the fisheries board as the "ultimate pan-European and Commission-endorsed quality assurance standard".

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland says it is "the most appropriate means of quality assurance for the whole food sector".

Skipper-owners seeking the accreditation had to undergo a rigorous examination on board vessels, covering all aspects of work.

This ranged from improved handling of wild salmon to vessel hygiene. Accredited vessels can earn as much as € 13 a kilo for quality assured wild salmon.