Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:35 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Marine the biological load that an enclosed bay or basin can carry regarding the establishment of fish farming in coastal areas.
Written Answers. - Fish Farming.
I am advised that there is no single definitive answer to the Deputy's question. Biological loadings and capacities are variable and localised, being primarily determined by the specific characteristics of the bay or basin concerned.
A combination of site evaluation, baseline survey and ongoing monitoring is used in the assessment of the ecological impact of fish farming in our coastal waters. The initial site evaluation is undertaken as part of the licensing process to identify the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the waterbody concerned, and to identify the potential effects of a fish farm on the particular marine environment. Baseline surveys are also undertaken to obtain reference data on all the relevant parameters, such as nutrients, the seabed and water quality, which subsequently must be monitored at monthly intervals. This mandatory assessment and water quality monitoring strategy is among the most stringent anywhere and has been endorsed by an internationally recognised expert in the field. The results of the ongoing monitoring programme confirm that water quality in Irish coastal waters has not been adversely affected by the presence of fish farming.