Dick Spring
Question:116 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Marine if he is satisfied that further development of fish farming can take place off the coastline, without endangering fish stocks in our rivers.
Written Answers. - Fish Farming.
Yes. I have stated to the House on a number of occasions my determination that aquaculture should proceed in a manner which is safe and which is consistent with the highest environmental standards and, in particular, the safeguarding of wild fish stocks.
Expressed concerns about wild fish stocks relate to risks of disease and the possible impact of farmed fish escapees. As regards disease there is no evidence to suggest that there is a danger of the spread of disease from farmed salmon and trout to wild fish. In fact all the evidence suggests that the opposite is the case. Some diseases have been introduced into farmed fish by wild fish whilst other diseases which are peculiar to farmed salmon and trout are never found in wild fish.
In relation to escapes, I expect to receive shortly the report of the Review Group on mandatory codes of practice for the aquaculture industry which I commissioned last year. The Review Group will address in its report procedures to minimise escapes in the first place and remedial measures to be taken in the event of escapes occurring.
I am staying closely in touch with research in this area both in Ireland and abroad.
As regards the sea trout issue which is of particular concern to some groups, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this subject to the House on 13 February 1990.
There is no scientific evidence to indicate any linkage between the 1989 decline in numbers in the west and the prevalence of fish farming activities in that region. Indeed such information as exists on this subject suggests otherwise.