Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 7

Written Answers. - Mussel Farming.

Ivor Callely

Question:

9 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will give details of the marine problems which have been associated with mussel farming in our seas; the pollution generated from this farming; the impact on the use of the waters in close proximity to mussel farms for water sport and recreational facilities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18996/97]

Ivor Callely

Question:

16 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide a map of the sea areas in Dunmanus Bay, County Cork where illegal mussel farming is in operation; if his attention has been drawn to this matter; the action, if any, his Department has taken to date in this regard; if his Department will vigorously pursue the perpetrators of these illegal activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18997/97]

Ivor Callely

Question:

61 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the priority given to the use of our seas for mussel farming or for recreation and sporting activities in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19231/97]

Ivor Callely

Question:

63 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the issues of concern which have been brought to his Department's attention regarding mussel farming in our seas; the submission, if any, he has received on the matter; the research and surveys, if any, which have been carried out on the problems associated with mussel farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19233/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 16, 61 and 63 together.

Concerns about the impact of mussel farming and other forms of shellfish aquaculture on the marine environment relate primarily to ensuring that the operations are managed and regulated in line with navigational safety considerations. Management and regulation must also address interactions with fishing, wildlife and habitat, tourism, recreational use of the marine resource as well as visual and litter considerations. International research endorsed by the EU Commission, and work by our own Marine Institute confirms that any potential environmental impact of mussel farming is limited by definition since no feed is supplied to the organisms. Any organic enrichment which occurs, and which will in any event be highly localised, will be minimised and reversed by good management, location and spacing.

The absolute dependence of mussel farming and aquaculture generally on the quality of the aquatic environment makes it an effective continuous monitor of water quality in its own right. Aquaculture itself can be adversely affected by agriculture, industry, tourism and recreation. This underlines the need to ensure a balanced and equitable approach to all developments and users of the marine resource — with aquaculture as an equal rights partner in that process.

Mussel farming is a valuable and growing component of the Irish aquaculture industry, generating significant jobs, revenue, value added and exports with resultant benefits for coastal communities. Aquaculture production reached 35,000 tonnes worth over £40 million in 1996 of which mussels contributed 15,000 tonnes worth £5 million. The aquaculture industry is small by international standards but has a well established reputation for quality in the international market place. The Government is committed to supporting continued sustainable development of the aquaculture sector with full regard for environmental concerns and the needs of other users.

As I advised the Deputy in a recent reply, the Department has acted to address the unlicensed mussel farming activity at Dunmanus Bay.

As I previously advised, failure by the company in question to remove the unlicensed longlines will lead to legal proceedings. I am also confident that strengthened powers and penalties under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, will act as a real deterrent to unauthorised developments. Finally, I have arranged for a map of the area in question in Dunmanus Bay to be provided to the Deputy as requested.