My Department’s records indicate that nine aquaculture sites are licensed to operate in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act. An Appropriate Assessment Report addressing the potential ecological impacts of aquaculture activities and fishing in and adjacent to the Lough Swilly Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA) was completed in 2013.
In addition, Screening Matrices were carried out for aquaculture activities located in the northern portion of the Lough which were outside the SAC/SPA and the qualifying features of same. These Reports are available on the Department’s website at the following link:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/seafood/aquacultureforeshoremanagement/aquaculturelicensing/appropriateassessmentsscreeningcarriedout/
It is unlawful to engage in aquaculture activity on State foreshore except in accordance with the provisions of the applicable national and EU legislation. My Department, in conjunction with its technical, scientific and legal advisers, investigates instances of unauthorised aquaculture activity in accordance with the applicable legislation as a matter of standard procedure.