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.

I developed a strong interest in Aquaculture during my final year in UCC, through my thesis which I undertook in the Aquaculture Development Centre in the Cooperage. I have 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. I have experience managing small and large teams, and I love working with people and seeing people grow and develop over their career. Aquaculture is my passion and I believe 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, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching sport…while also dreaming about aquaculture!

I have been developing my expertise in marine planning and aquaculture since graduating from my Master’s program in 2020. Some highlights of my time in study to date have been receiving the Prof. Mary Crawley Award for Contributions to Geography and the Joey Murrin Memorial Award for my work during a Higher Diploma in Business in Fisheries and Aquaculture. I relish a challenging work environment, and at Aqualicense I am provided with the tools and connections to actively drive change in the world, and move towards a sustainable future. When not in the office, I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, and training for agility competitions with my dog, Bertie!