Vol. 571 No. 4
124 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the investigation which has been carried out by or for his Department into the massive fish kill at Inver Bay, County Donegal, during July 2003; the outcome of any such investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22042/03]
Reports were received during July that significant levels of fish mortalities were being experienced by salmon farms in Inver Bay, County Donegal. I immediately mandated the Marine Institute to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the situation, with a view to determining the cause of the mortalities.
An extensive process of investigation and analysis has been undertaken since then by staff of the Marine Institute and other experts engaged by the institute. The key topics that have been addressed in the course of this work include fish health, chemistry, seabed conditions, phytoplankton, oceanography, fishing activity and fish farm operations. Despite the considerable time and resources that have been devoted to the investigation, it has not been possible to date to establish what caused the mortalities.
Since the investigations commenced, it has come to light that significant mortality levels have also been experienced over recent months by other fish farms along the western seaboard. I have, therefore, asked the Marine Institute to broaden the scope of its investigations to look also at what has happened at other locations.
In view of the seriousness of the mortality levels, the investigation has been accorded priority status by the Marine Institute. It will be progressed as quickly as possible, while ensuring that appropriate consideration is given to all relevant issues. As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
