Vol. 496 No. 6
124 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the regional fisheries boards have any insight into the checking of sea lice in finfish farms; the sanctions, if any, which can be imposed on fin fish farms who continually have elevated levels of sea lice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23840/98]
The Marine Institute, on behalf of my Department, undertakes ongoing regular programmes of sea lice inspections at all marine salmon farms. The staff of the regional fisheries boards are given schedules of these inspections in advance and have the option to attend as observers. Reports of the results of these inspections are forwarded to the fisheries boards.
It is in the interests of salmon farmers themselves to minimise sea lice levels on fish farms and the industry co-operates closely with the monitoring programme. Where sea lice levels are found to be at elevated levels, remedial measures are put in place. Persistently high lice levels at a particular farm should they arise, would require the introduction of very site specific lice management strategies which could include reduced stocking levels, accelerated harvesting, and a review of fallowing strategies at the site.
