Vol. 545 No. 5
104 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the survey carried out on the west coast on salmon post smolts; the effect and incidence of sea lice on salmon post smolts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31030/01]
The Deputy is referring to a survey of salmon post-smolts carried out off the west coast in May of this year by the central and regional fisheries boards and the Marine Institute. The purpose of the trials was to determine if salmon post-smolts could be captured at sea in order to examine for levels of sea lice infestation. Similar trials have been carried out in Norway. Trials were undertaken outside Bertaghboy Bay and in Killary Harbour, Clew Bay and Inver Bay. Of a total of 155 salmon post smolts captured during the survey, only one fish showed indications of lice and this was at a low level. The Deputy will be aware that sea lice are endemic in the wild. The data emerging from the survey will add to existing scientific knowledge of the impact of sea lice on salmon post-smolts.
