asked the Minister for the Marine the action he proposes to take in relation to conservation and in particular the proposals put to him by the Anglers Task Force on Pollution and Conservation.
50.
Written Answers. - Acquaculture Industry.
26.
asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the submission made by the task force on pollution and conservation; and the measures he intends to take both at present and in the long-term to bring about the necessary changes to this industry before it is too late to rectify the situation.
I propose to take Question Nos. 26 and 50 together. I presume that the Deputies are referring to one of the submissions made to the Working Group on Finfish Aquaculture which I set up in September last with the task of investigating and advising on the establishment of mandatory codes of practice for that sector of the aquaculture industry.
My policy in regard to aquaculture is to maximise its contribution to the task of national recovery in terms of output, jobs and exports in a manner which is consistent with the maintenance of a clean environment. In that context, I have asked the working group to take particular account of those aspects of fish husbandry which have a direct bearing on the environment and the wild fishery.
In response to requests to interested parties to make known their views on their remit, the group have received 46 submissions, among which was the submission referred to by the Deputies. These submissions are receiving due consideration by the group, whose report I expect to receive by mid-December.