Kate Dempsey is the CEO and founder of Aqualicense, Ondine and Irish Mussel Seed Company (Offshore Mussel Farm in Ireland) as well as a founder and director of the Tethra Offshore Renewable Energy portfolio. She is passionate about Irish marine development and the production of both food and energy from ocean resources.  Kate firmly believes that any business operating in the marine space can be cognisant of the resultant environmental pressures so that mitigation is built into the initial project planning. Among other positions, Kate sits on the OEWG on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment as it relates to food security supporting the UN Committee on World Food Security. Kate holds an honours Irish Law Degree, HDip in business in Aquabusiness and is an Irish Aquaculture Nuffield Scholar.

Kate Mahony is an experienced ecologist with expertise in marine ecology. She holds a PhD in Zoology focusing on shellfish, and a MSc in Marine Biology. With a strong background in project management, Kate has led academic and consultancy projects, delivering reporting including peer-reviewed papers, Natura Impact Statements, and Environmental Impact Assessment Reports. Kate is also experienced in both managing and conducting field work across a range of topics including intertidal, benthic, habitat, botanical, mammal, and ornithological surveys. Skilled in data analysis and management, Kate regularly uses R and GIS to visualise data for clients. She is an Associate Member of CIEEM and IMarEST, demonstrating her commitment to high standards. Kate is particularly interested in protecting native biodiversity, while promoting sustainable infrastructure, aquaculture and fisheries.

Damien developed a strong interest in Aquaculture during his final year in UCC, through his thesis which he undertook in the Aquaculture Development Centre in the Cooperage. Damien has spent 20 years working in aquaculture in Ireland, Scotland and Lake Volta in West Africa, in both hatchery and on-growing production facilities and with a range of species including salmon, trout, tilapia and cod. Damien has experience managing small and large teams, and he loves working with people and seeing people grow and develop over their career. Aquaculture is Damien’s passion, and he believes through our work at Aqualicense, we can help boost the aquaculture industry and encourage the smart, sustainable use of our marine resources allowing Ireland to realise it’s massively untapped potential. When not in the office, Damien enjoys spending time with his family and watching sport…while also dreaming about aquaculture!