Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2014
32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps taken to protect wild salmon from sea lice; the policy of his Department regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24554/14]
View answerThe licensing of aquaculture activity, including salmon farming, and the operation of national protocols for control of sea-lice are a matter for the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine (DAFM). Both My Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have consistently expressed support for the development of aquaculture which is sustainable and which complies with national and International environmental requirements, particularly the EU Habitats Directive There is wide awareness of the potential major negative impact of sea-lice infected farmed salmon on wild salmonid (salmon and sea-trout) stocks, which has also been published in reputable international science journals.This evidence is of serious concern to both my Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), who provide scientific advice to my Department on a statutory basis. The potential for sea-lice infestation of wild salmon from Aquaculture installations situated near the estuaries of salmon rivers has been the subject of a wide range of peer reviewed and published scientific papers.
Of paramount concern for my Department and IFI is the protection of wild stocks and bringing sea-lice infestation on salmon farms under control particularly prior to and during the critical spring migration season when migrating sea trout and juvenile salmon pass in close proximity to farmed salmon installations.
The Department and IFI have consistently advised that protecting these vulnerable stocks requires the application of real and effective sanctions on those sites which are found to be in breach of the sea-lice regime (and its protocols).
My Department receives the monthly sea-lice reports which are compiled for DAFM by the Marine Institute. These reports should provide the basis for possible DAFM actions where its pest protocols are breached and on which my Department regularly seeks intervention.
