Written Answers. - Illegal Mussel Farming.
Ivor Callely
Question:
66
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the measures, if any, which he can take when illegal mussel farming interferes with the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16405/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:
81
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the steps, if any, which are taken when his attention is drawn to illegal mussel farming; the procedures which should be initiated for such steps to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16406/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:
82
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the procedures involved in order for mussel farming in our seas to be approved; the areas currently approved in this regard; and the areas currently under consideration.
[16407/97]
Ivor Callely
Question:
83
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the controls in place regarding mussel farming in Irish waters; his understanding of the need for such controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[16408/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 81, 82 and 83 together.
Mussel farming, both suspended rope mussel culture and bottom mussel culture, is carried on right around the coastline from the north-west to Carlingford Lough in the north-east and down to Waterford and Wexford. The main mussel growing areas in the south and west include Bantry Bay, Roaringwater Bay, Ardgroom Harbour, Kilmakilloge Harbour and Killary Harbour. The industry makes a significant contribution to jobs and wealth creation in coastal communities. As well as supplying fresh mussels to home and international markets, the industry is the basis for significant added value processing. Mussel production in 1996 totalled over 15,000 tonnes valued at £4.7 million.
Mussel farming operations require to be licensed under the Fisheries Acts in respect of the fish culture aspect of the development and a licence under the Foreshore Acts to occupy State foreshore. The Department has on hands a number of proposals for additional mussel farming projects in a number of areas. The main areas involved are Dunmanus Bay, Kilmakilloge Harbour, Waterford Harbour, Wexford Harbour and Lough Swilly.
All applications for aquaculture licences are subject to a rigorous process of evaluation by the Department's Aquaculture Licence Vetting Committee, a multi-disciplinary group comprising representatives of the Department, Marine Institute and the Central Fisheries Board. Comments or objections on aquaculture development projects are invited through a public consultative process, which includes advertising in the local press, and consultation with the local authority, as well as other relevant bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Board Fáilte, the local Regional Fisheries Board, the Commissioners of Irish Lights and Forbairt. The objective is to secure the broadest possible range of views on aquaculture development prior to decisions on licensing. The decision making process must seek at all times to strike the right balance between sustainable development and local and environmental concerns.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 enacted on 14 May of this year, establishes a new licensing and regulatory system for the aquaculture industry. The Act provides for, amongst other things, strict penalties for undertaking aquaculture without a licence and for non-compliance with licence conditions together with new Ministerial powers to revoke licences where the licence holder is in breach of licence conditions and significantly enhanced powers to tackle unauthorised development. Intensive work is under way to deliver the necessary regulations and other arrangements including the establishment of the Aquaculture Appeals Board, which will enable the new Act to be commenced before the end of this year.
Where unauthorised aquaculture developments are brought to the attention of my Department, the matter is investigated and the fish farm owner is instructed in writing to remove any unlawful structures erected. If the operator fails to comply with such instructions the matter can be pursued through the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. The Department, through the Chief State Solicitor's Office, currently has legal proceedings in train against a number of unauthorised aquaculture operators.
With regard to impacts on the environment, shellfish farming generally is considered an environmentally benign activity and it is worth stressing that the industry itself requires a pristine environment in which to prosper.
The strengthened powers in the Fisheries (Amendment), Act, 1997 represent a firm commitment to tackling unauthorised developments and breaches of licence conditions by licensed operators. Furthermore, the Department has been devoting resources to regularising all aquaculture developments by processing as speedily as possible all applications on hand, having regard to the very necessary comprehensive consultation process involved.
