Vol. 472 No. 6
20 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received a submission from the Save Our Sea Trout organisation making five serious allegations against the Irish salmon growers industry; if he will comment, in detail, in relation to these allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22444/96]
I confirm that I have received a copy of a submission from the "Save Our Sea Trout" group. I am glad to have this opportunity to address the assertions made by this group.
The Irish salmon farming component of the aquaculture industry makes a significant contribution in terms of jobs and economic activity in coastal communities. The salmon farming sector now directly employs 900 people, with another 1100 jobs in associated industries. It has a current annual output of over 12,000 tonnes worth £39 million, of which 8,000 tonnes worth £26 million was exported in 1995. In addition to creating direct employment salmon farming also supports a significant level of jobs and economic added value in the processing sector and other downstream activities.
The impact of salmon farming on the environment and vice versa and its interaction with other users of the marine resource is a subject of ongoing debate and analysis. Salmon farming is itself affected by other activities and depends fundamentally on a clean environment. Contrary to the views expressed by SOS, this industry is controlled, regulated and sustainable.
National and EU research generally has concluded that there is more risk of disease passing from wild stocks to fish farms. In addition, the control of disease outbreaks in farmed stocks through improved husbandry, appropriate systemic treatments, reduction of stocking densities and effective disease management will, in any event, reduce any risk of transmission to the wild.
The research management and conservation programmes in place to address the problem of seatrout declines is ongoing. Sea lice monitoring, control and reporting programmes on salmon farms have been put in place in line with the practical framework of action recommended in the Sea Trout Task Force Report. These programmes are fully monitored and overseen by the Sea Trout Monitoring and Advisory Group which is chaired by Dr. Emer Colleran and represents sea trout fishery interests, salmon farmers and relevant State agencies. Significant financial and other resources are also being devoted to the research, rehabilitation and restocking of sea trout fisheries and this considerable commitment is paying demonstrable dividends.
The parasite Gyrodactylis salanis, which is not present in Ireland, was transferred and spread in Scandinavian rivers through restocking programmes as opposed to fish farming. There are specific Community restrictions in place, spearheaded by Ireland and the UK, to prevent the spread of the parasite to Community areas not currently affected.
SOS statements about adverse environmental effects of salmon farms are inaccurate and outdated. I am advised that the effects of fish farming on water quality and sediment ecosystems in Irish coastal waters, where they occur, are temporary, localised and reversible.
There is no scientific evidence linking salmon farms to "red tides" which are naturally occurring marine algal blooms resulting from specific geographical and hydrographical conditions.
One of the key benefits of our policies has been the recognition by European consumer markets — notably the discerning German market — of Irish farmed salmon as a quality "green" product commanding a price premium over its competitors with resultant market benefits for Irish salmon farmers. This has helped to offset the acknowledged serious difficulties caused by low price oversupply of the EU market by Norwegian producers.
The Irish salmon farming industry, and the Irish aquaculture industry as a whole, is not only capable of but deserves support for further incremental and sustainable development.
The Bill which I will introduce in Seanad Éireann this week is designed to provide the necessary legislative framework to underpin and regulate the future sustainable development of the Irish aquaculture industry, with full regard for the needs of the industry and all other interests. I look forward to a positive and constructive debate on the future of the aquaculture industry and I hope that this reply to the House will help to bring the necessary level of objectivity and perspective to that debate.
I thank the Minister for a very balanced answer. In view of the fact that the Norwegians produce about 300,000 tonnes of farm fish and the Scots produce about 60,000 tonnes, Ireland's operational programme hoped to double production from about 12,000 or 13,000 tonnes to 24,000 or 25,000 tonnes. When does the Minister of State consider we will be back on track in regard to achieving that target in view of the delay because of the necessity to designate areas through legislation? Can we get the 1997 programme off the ground?
The target set under the Operational Programme was 19,000 tonnes, not 24,000 tonnes. I am satisfied that can be met by 1999, the target date set under the Operational Programme.
The position regarding the Norwegian supply is being addressed in two ways, through the European Union where we have expressed our increasing concern about the over supply to the European market of the Norwegian product and by developing and promoting the Irish product as a niche quality produced under high environmental standards.
