Eric J. Byrne
Question:21 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if he has any plans to promote the development of Abalone as an alternative marine crop; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Shellfish Development.
Abalone are seaweed eating marine gastropods or snails. They are one of the highest priced shellfish in the world and markets are buoyant. In additon, the shells of the abalone have a good market potential being one of the most important sources, for example, of mother of pearl. Cultivation practices are environmentally friendly. I consider abalone, therefore, to be a very attractive species for development by the aquaculture industry in Ireland and I am fully behind research efforts to date.
The main research and development work in relation to the species — both the Japanese and European varieties — has been conducted by the Shellfish Research Laboratory at Carna, County Galway. The Laboratory operates under the auspices of the Zoology Department of UCG and receives funding from my Department to support their research efforts. As abalone are not a species native to Irish waters, its introduction had to be carefully controlled through quarantine under the supervision of my Department and in accordance with the code of practice laid down by the relevant international organisation which is the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. This involves rearing a second generation of abalone in quarantine and ensuring that that generation is free of pests and parasites. Research and development in connection with the cleared material is in turn expensive and time consuming given the complex life-cycle of abalone.
The research and development programme for abalone has involved the co-operation of a number of State agencies which include Udaras na Gaeltachta, the Central Development Committee and, under my own wing, an Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Trial growing is now under way at a number of locations and I am hopeful that ultimately the species will make an important contribution to our marine development efforts. I will continue to support initiative in this area.