John Ellis
Ceist:44 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Marine the action, if any, he proposes to take regarding salmon escaping from fish farms which are affecting the wild stocks on the west coast. [2737/95]
Written Answers. - Farmed Fish.
John Ellis
Ceist:118 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to deal with the problem of farm salmon that have escaped into rivers on the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4139/95]
I propose to take Question Nos. 44 and 118 together. The effects of escapement of farmed fish on wild stocks continue to be debated and researched at international and national level.
There is general agreement on the need to minimise the likelihood of escapes through preventive measures in the first instance and appropriate remedial action where escapes occur.
Fish farmers are obliged, under licence conditions, to take all precautions to ensure against escapes. These requirements include compliance with standards of cage design and net specifications, the use of anti predator devices, maintenance of structures and operational procedures. It is worth noting that escapes result in serious economic loss for fish farmers: it is in the industry's own interests, therefore, to comply with these standards. In the event of an escape, fish farmers are obliged to report immediately to the Department and the Regional Fisheries Board. This is an essential requirement, to ensure that necessary monitoring and remedial action, such as netting or trapping, can be taken quickly in light of all the relevant information.
Technical advances in cage and netting design and improved predator control (net damage by seals being a common cause of escapes), have contributed to a significant reduction in the numbers of major escapes reported in the last few years.
The Department, however, keeps the precautionary regime under regular review. A working party, comprising the department, the Salmon Growers Association, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Central Fisheries Board is currently reviewing existing arrangements with a view to reinforcing these if necessary.