Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Sea Trout Stocks.

Enda Kenny

Question:

23 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether a firm link has been established between salmon farms and the destruction of sea trout stocks in the west and south-west; and in view of recent investigations and findings if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

The report of the Scientific Sea Trout Working Group for 1993 published in February last and the final report of the Sea Trout Task Force published in March address the issue raised by the Deputy.

The Scientific Sea Trout Working Group report for 1993 stated that preliminary analyses had revealed a statistical relationship between lice infestation parameters and distance from salmon farms. Further analysis of available data has pointed to stronger indications of such a relationship. Further scientific work is being carried out on this and other hypotheses about the actual role of sea lice in sea trout declines. All the findings will be forwarded, in the first instance, for consideration by the successor monitoring group to the Sea Trout Task Force which will be convened shortly.

The Sea Trout Task Force in its final report considered the findings of scientific investigations to date and noted that it is extremely rare for scientific investigation to lead to findings of 100 per cent certainty: a high degree of probability is usually the most that can be realised. The task force report concluded that the research points to infestation by sea lice in the vicinity of sea farms as the factor most closely associated with the marked incidence of adverse pressure on sea trout stocks in recent years.

To the extent that sea lice from salmon farms may have contributed to sea trout declines in certain areas, every possible step is being taken to minimise their numbers. The Department's 1994 action programme to conserve, protect and rehabilitate sea trout stocks has been augmented to give full effect to the additional measures recommended by the task force. Under this programme a revised and more comprehensive monitoring and control programme, as recommended by the task force, to minimise sea lice levels on salmon farms is in place. Ongoing results from lice monitoring programmes to date show that lice levels are being controlled at very low levels. In addition quantification of sea trout stocks, conservation measures and a major programme of rehabilitation are key components of the action programme.

While the need for continued research on all aspects of the sea trout problem is acknowledged and the national research programme continues under the aegis of the scientific working group, the first and most immediate priority is the practical framework for action recommended by the task force, notably to ensure the effectiveness of measures to control sea lice levels. That agreed action plan is being fully implemented by the Department.