asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the pollution of harbours on western coasts by mariculture development; and the steps, if any, his Department has taken to monitor same.
Written Answers. - Western Harbours Pollution.
38.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 10 from Deputy Jim Higgins on 2 June last in relation to aquaculture in lakes and estuaries in Counties Mayo and Galway.
The issue of licences by my Department within those areas designated for aquaculture under the Fisheries Act, 1980 is the subject of rigid environmental protection criteria. The criteria are based on an assessment of the carrying capacity of each particular area and licences will limit production accordingly and will prescribe monitoring and other conditions to apply.
My policy is to draw a careful balance between the need to exploit all employment opportunities in aquaculture in this country while at the same time protecting, fostering and developing our valuable wild fishery resources. The control and monitoring procedures in place ensure that any risks due to pollution arising from aquaculture development will be kept to an absolute minimum and should not be any cause for concern.