Written Answers. - Escape of Salmon from Fish Farm.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:
39
Mr. R. Bruton
asked the
Minister for the Marine
the outcome of the investigation into the escape of thousands of salmon from a fish farm off Deenish Island, County Kerry; whether there is any danger to the wild salmon stock as a result of this escape; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Liz McManus
Ceist:
43
Ms McManus
asked the
Minister for the Marine
the investigation, if any, that has been held into the circumstances of an escape of 10,000 adult salmon from a fish farm at Deenish Island off the Kerry coast; if any assessment has been carried out as to the potential impact of this incident on the wild stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:
86
Mr. Barrett
asked the
Minister for the Marine
if he will make a statement on the outcome of the investigation into the escape of thousands of salmon from a fish farm off Deenish Island, County Kerry; whether there is any danger to the wild salmon stock as a result of this escape; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 43 and 86 together.
On the morning of 1 February, Salmara Fisheries notified the Department and the South Western Regional Fisheries Board that inspection of a fish cage at the company's licensed salmon farm site at Deenish Island on the preceding evening had revealed that damage to the netting had been sustained. The company reported that the cage in question held approximately 10,000 fish which were ready for harvesting. It is provisionally estimated that up to 5,000 fish were lost.
Fish farmers are obliged to notify escape incidents immediately and I am satisfied that the company complied with this requirement. The company has advised that damage assessment indicates that it was caused by seals in the area. While anti-predator devices were in place and were in working order, additional precautions to deter seals are now being put in place by the company
A permit to allow the netting of escapees was issued by the Department with the proviso what all such operations were to be carried out under the supervision of the South Western Regional Fisheries Board. Netting was carried out in the vicinity of the farm and estuaries of rivers flowing into Kenmare Bay. The latest information available is that no escaped fish have been caught and the company has ceased netting.
I am satisfied that it is not possible to reliably estimate the survival rate of the escaped fish. It is likely, however, to be poor at this time of year particularly given the circumstances of the escape and the prevailing weather conditions.
The potential impact of escaped farmed fish on the wild salmon stocks is still widely debated at international level particularly on the complex question of long term genetic impact. Preventative measures through good maintenance of nets and structures, anti predator devices and all other appropriate technology are required and are inspected for compliance at regular intervals. It is in the economic interests of the industry itself to minimise the risks of escape through taking such precautionary measures and I am satisfied that fish farmers do co-operate with requirements.
I am satisfied that the existing notification procedures in the event of an escape work well and are being complied with by fish farmers. However, the scope for improvement is being kept under regular review.
An investigation by the Department into the circumstances of the incident is under way and I have requested a report on additional measures which might be taken to further minimise the risks of escape and on arrangements by the Fisheries Board for continued monitoring of the area for possible survivors.
