asked the Minister for the Marine if it is intended to introduce a mandatory code of practice for fish farming to ensure that these farms are developed in such a way as not to damage the environment or other fish life; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Code of Practice for Fish Farming.
10.
I am anxious to ensure that the aquaculture industry develops in a way consistent with environmental excellence and that strict environmental standards should apply and be properly monitored and enforced.
To this end I recently announced the establishment of a special technical group to investigate and advise on the introduction of mandatory codes of practice for fin fish aquaculture, taking account of those aspects of fish husbandry which have a direct bearing on the environment. The group are representative of the fisheries research centre and aquaculture division of my Department, the Central Fisheries Board and the Irish Salmon Growers' Association. I expect the group to report to me by mid-December 1989.
In addition I have directed my Department to draw up a systematic inspection programme for aquaculture, using all available resources, to ensure that existing standards and any new codes of practice be adopted and fully observed.
These initiatives, taken together with the substantial research work undertaken in advance of licensing aquaculture projects, will greatly facilitate the objective of an aquaculture industry operating in harmony with other water users.
I would like to thank the Minister for his reply. Is the Minister aware that this is a growth industry in the area of shell and fin fish? Like all growth industries there is concern about its development and, in particular, about the use of pesticides like Nuvan 500 EC and, as more stocks are being held in cages and otherwise, the increase in fish effluent. The biggest concern of all is in relation to diseased fish escaping to the wild and infecting the stocks. Will the Minister agree that it is important to introduce a mandatory code of practice for fish farming? I read in The Irish Times that he promised that the report of the committee would be ready by the end of October——
This is a very long question, Deputy.
The report will not now be ready until December. Is there a reason for not getting the technical response much more quickly? Is the Minister aware that the Irish Shellfish Association condemned the rate of response to the outbreak of bonamia in Galway Bay oysters? Will the Minister look seriously at these outbreaks as it is——
Please, Deputy Byrne, you are not merely embarking on a series of questions but making a very long statement, which is not in order.
Is the Minister aware that bonamia outbreaks occur in areas of intense cultivation and does he intend to do anything about it?
The technical group I set up, mainly for the specific reasons which Deputy Byrne has given, met on 28 September. The points made by the Deputy are specifically in their programme, the use of chemicals and antibiotics in fish husbandry, arrangements for the disposal of dead fish, farmed fish escapees and — one which the Deputy did not mention — the control of bleeding of fish at slaughter. We are very heavily committed to getting this right because the environmental aspects are very important. It is also important that non-scientific and scare stories should not gain credence in this growth area which has accounted for a great increase in the numbers employed in the aquaculture industry. The Deputy insinuated that I did not act quickly in regard to the bonamia outbreak in Galway. I reject the insinuation as I am taking it seriously now and I always did. If he looks at that area, he will see that very strong measures were taken when the outbreak occurred to make sure that it was confined.
The Irish Shellfish Association said they were extremely concerned at the Department's delay in assessing the bonamia outbreak. I take it the Minister is not alleging that Earthwatch in their Special Report No. 4 on Salmonoid, Farming in Ireland, Environmental and Legislative Problems Assessed, are scaremongers?
No, I do not say any such thing. I am very pleased to have read that report and I think it was printed on recycled paper. Is that right?
Yes.
A final supplementary from Deputy Taylor-Quinn.
I welcome the fact that the Minister told the House that this report will be published by December. Will it deal with the issuing of fish licences? Is it the intention of the Minister to have a public inquiry before fish farming licences are granted? I am sure he appreciates the degree of community concern which has arisen in various areas where fish farms are proposed. There is also concern from an environmental point of view regarding the difficulties that can arise from one type of fish farming in an area where shellfish development is taking place. There are fears that a conflict may arise because of the two industries in the same area.
The committee will deal with the implications of adoption of recommended standards for the growth of the industry and the status of the environment. There is no question or doubt about that and there is a strong thrust towards EIAs in all these matters nowadays. I will only hold a public inquiry in relation to fish farm licences if it is necessary in a particular area. I will await the structures suggested and we will then have an opportunity to discuss it. I can assure the Deputy that a structure and regimen will be put in place which will enable the aquaculture industry to develop without damage to the environment or existing fishing projects in an area.
Will the Minister agree that there is much disquiet among shellfish farmers and people generally about commercial fin fish farming and that the only answer at this stage is a five year moratorium on any new fin fish farming developments?
No, I do not agree that a moratorium of five years is necessary. I intend to base any decisions I make on solidly researched scientific conclusions.