Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:114 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Marine his views on the reported serious sea lice problem on salmon farms and the potential threat this poses to sea trout.
Written Answers. - Sea Lice Threat.
As I have previously indicated to the House, there are a number of differing views as to the cause of the sea trout problem. While the Report of the Sea Trout Action Group pointed to the increase in the number of sea lice emanating from salmon farms as the major contributory factor, the Sea Trout Scientific Working Group concluded, on the basis of the evidence to date, that it has not been possible to demonstrate a causitive link between production of lice from salmon farms and subsequent infestation of sea trout in specific bays.
I recently announced a major action plan to combat the problem of declines of sea trout in the West of Ireland. This programme pinpoints three areas for action:
—Research into the causes of sea trout declines is to be intensified. I have appointed my Chief Scientific Advisor to direct and co-ordinate all research projects into this complex problem. There is to be additional emphasis on the life cycle of the sea louse and sea trout physiology.
—New management strategies for fish farms. These strategies will include increased use of the following principle for cage sites: lower stocking densities; and a unified bay by bay approach to husbandry and sea lice treatments.
— I have met with representatives of the salmon farmers and secured their full support for this new management regime.
— Conservation of existing stocks. I have made new by-laws to protect sea trout by shortening the season for salmon drift-net fishing, introducing sanctuary areas for sea trout and prohibiting the catching of the fish. My Department and the Western and North-Western Regional Fisheries Boards will work closely to ensure that the protection measures are enforced rigorously.
Work on this complex problem must go forward in a spirit of co-operation, and differing perceptions as to the cause of the problem must not stand in the way of the concerted action. My objective is to ensure the wellbeing of the wildfishery and angling tourism which is worth £74 million a year, as well as of the salmon farming industry, which employs some 1,100 workers in coastal communities and is worth £30 million to local economies.