Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
355. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that the operator moved the remaining fish which suffered such damage in the recent storms at the Bantry Bay fish farm on 19 February 2013, if he will provide the details of the fish that escaped as reported to him under the regulations. [10819/14]
View answerMy Department’s Engineering Division in conjunction with the Marine Institute conducted a survey at the site referred to by the Deputy at the first available opportunity and have provided preliminary scientific and technical reports to my Department.
There is evidence to indicate that due to a mooring failure the nets on three cages appear to have “bagged”, trapping fish and leading to extensive mortalities. The three damaged cages have now been secured. It is not possible to quantify the potential number of mortalities versus escapees, at this time.
My Department, in conjunction with its scientific and technical advisors, is continuing to assess the situation as a priority.
