Bernard Allen
Question:69 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of fish farms which have been inspected to date in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13637/04]
View answerWednesday, 12 May 2004
Questions (52)
Written answers
I take it that the Deputy is looking for information in respect of 2004. Monitoring and inspection of fish farms is carried out by my Department with the advice and assistance of the Marine Institute.
Each marine fin-fish farm is inspected 14 times a year by Marine Institute staff in connection with monitoring and control of sea lice levels, in accordance with the terms of a protocol published by my Department in 2000. One inspection is carried out in the period December-January, two inspections per month are carried out at farms during February to May, and one inspection per month is undertaken during the rest of the year. So far this year, 146 sea lice inspections have been carried out at fish farms.
Monitoring of fish health at each fin-fish farm is also undertaken by the Marine Institute and involves at least one inspection of each farm each year. As part of this programme, samples of fish are screened for viruses and bacterial infection, as well as certain parasites. Fish health monitoring has been carried out at 20 fish farms so far in 2004 entailing 30 individual inspections.
A sampling and monitoring programme for residues in fin-fish is also carried out by the Marine Institute each year in accordance with EU Directive 96/23. The programme involves monitoring for a wide range of residues including antibiotics and environmental contaminants. This programme of sampling has been carried out in respect of six fish farms to date in 2004.
Inspections of fish farms are also carried out periodically by officials of my Department. So far this year, the Department's engineering division has carried out inspections at 19 fin-fish farms as well as 106 shellfish farms. In addition, fish farms operations are scrutinised through returns and reports that are required to be made to my Department by the licensees.