Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
349 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the implementation and monitoring of the evidence of sea lice affecting salmon and white trout stocks; the analysis of the impact of such sea lice on these stocks; the systems that are in place to deal with this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26111/06]
View answerIn recent years monitoring of both wild and farmed fish stocks has shown an increase in the level of sea lice infestation. There are a number of factors that may have contributed to this increase. They include increased winter sea temperatures, the impact of fish health on treatment efficacy and following strategies. In the case of licensed fish farms a national monitoring and control programme is carried out by the Marine Institute in accordance with the principles and objectives set out in the Department's "Protocol for Sea Lice Monitoring and Control, which was published in 2000.
The programme involves a total of 14 inspections per annum at each site containing fish. One inspection is carried out in the period December/January, two inspections per month are undertaken in the period from March to May, and one inspection per month is carried out during the remainder of the year. Reports detailing the results of the monitoring are published and may also be accessed on the Institute's website. The key objective of the monitoring inspections is to establish whether the lice levels at a site are in excess of the very strict trigger levels that are applied in this country. If the relevant trigger level is exceeded, the operator of the site is required to apply an appropriate treatment with a view to effecting a reduction in the lice levels.
The more frequent monitoring inspections, which occur during the period from March to May, are timed to coincide with the peak in Sea Trout smolt migration. This helps ensure that if an increase in sea lice levels during this period is detected, prompt action is taken to treat the fish and thus minimise the possible transfer of lice to the migrating smolts. The level of monitoring undertaken in this country and the threshold at which remedial action is taken compares very favourably with other states and is appropriate to the situation. The Department will, of course, continue to give this matter close ongoing consideration in view of its importance.
