Vol. 530 No. 6
112 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the additional steps he will take to ensure that wild sea trout and salmon smelts soon to migrate to sea in Connemara are not affected by sea lice emanating from marine farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4458/01]
My Department has in place stringent management practices and controls governing the operation of fish farms. These controls are kept under continuous review in line with the policy objective for the sustainable development of aquaculture.
Part of the overall strategy to underpin the highest environmental standards for the Irish aquaculture industry includes the introduction in May 2000, with the support of the fish farming industry, of five aquaculture protocols. The protocols have been welcomed by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation, an international body whose remit is the conservation and protection of wild salmon stocks in the north Atlantic region. One of the protocols in question relates to sea lice monitoring and control, where experience gained over the past decade has enabled Ireland to become a world leader in the development of sea lice management and control strategies.
In relation to conservation and management of sea trout, I have asked the Marine Institute and the Central Fisheries Board to review existing strategies in terms of their efficiency and effectiveness and to develop a comprehensive new programme informed by that review. I will consult with all interested parties on the proposed new programme.
