Aquaculture Controls

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Questions (735)

Michael McNamara

Question:

739 Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm, as per the sea lice monitoring protocol for offshore fin fish farms, if a notice to treat was issued to the salmon farm operator (details supplied) in County Galway following a sea lice inspection in 11 April 2012 in view of the fact that the trigger level on this particular licence is set at 0.3 egg-bearing lice per fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26540/12]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The protocols operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State for the control of sea lice are in accordance with the "Strategy for improved pest control on Irish salmon farms", May 2008. In relation to the site referred to by the Deputy, the slight increase in sea lice levels observed at the April inspection by the Marine Institute was addressed by the operator on 24 April, in accordance with the conditions of the Aquaculture Licence, without the need for the Marine Institute to issue a Notice to Treat.