Vol. 450 No. 8
242 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Marine the number of applications pending in his Department for fallowing sites for aquaculture; the dates these applications were submitted; the number and date on which any were granted; the proposals, if any, he has to deal with outstanding applications; and whether any legislation or regulation is necessary to allow for such applications to be issued. [6032/95]
Twelve proposals to implement fallowing strategies at existing salmon farm operations for the 1995 season have been submitted to the Department.
One proposal was lodged in September 1994, one in October 1994, two in November 1994, two in December 1994 and six in January 1995.
The practice of fallowing fishfarm sites as part of overall environmental and fish health management strategies is now well established nationally and internationally. Where implemented to date fallowing has had demonstrable benefits for fish health, fish husbandry and the control of sea lice levels. Accordingly, the Department is assessing, and consulting relevant interests on, the current group of fallowing proposals with a view to progressing them where technically feasible in 1995. This assessment process will be completed in the coming weeks.
