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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sea Trout Stocks Destruction.

Enda Kenny

Question:

24 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine if he accepts the findings of the STAG report in respect of the collapse of the numbers of sea trout, and if he will make a statement on the matter, outlining, in particular his proposals to improve the position.

Tomás MacGiolla

Question:

44 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce or completely eliminate the huge numbers of sea lice emanating from salmon farms.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

94 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine if he accepts the findings of the recent STAG report; if he will outline the action which is to be taken to protect the sea front in the affected area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 44 and 94 together.

As I indicated to the House in my reply of 26 February last on this issue, there is a number of differing views as to the cause of the sea trout collapse. Since receiving the reports of the Sea Trout Action Group, the Sea Trout Scientific Working Group and the Irish Salmon Growers' Association, my Department have been examining the practical recommendations of all the groups concerned. The objective is to identify the steps which should be taken for this year in order to enhance the measures put in place in 1991.

The various recommendations of STAG, of the Sea Trout Working Group and of the Irish Salmon Growers' Association can be categorised under these headings: research, conservation, and sea lice control.

On the research effort, I have stated before that there is a need for further research into this complex problem. My Department are continuing to play a key role in the organising of the scientific programme, and will assist in every way possible as far as resources permit. The evaluation of the scope and direction of research projects for 1992 is being finalised at present, in consultation with STAG and other interested parties.
On conservation, my Department are currently finalising proposals for a renewal of last year's conservation and protection measures for sea trout for the 1992 season, as recommended in the STAG report. I will announce these shortly.
On sea lice control, my Department will continue to monitor sea lice levels and assist the salmon farming industry with the implementation of management strategies to reduce lice numbers on salmon farms through the fallowing of sites, better husbandry practices and the use of approved treatments to combat lice.
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