Vol. 536 No. 4
89 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if disinfectants, antibiotics and anaesthetics are used in marine fish farming; if so, the effect these are having on the ambient marine environment in the vicinity of fish farms here. [14487/01]
In common with other food producing industries the fish farming sector makes use as necessary of veterinary medicinal products under EU Directives to combat and control disease and parasites. The administration of animal remedies in Ireland is governed by the Animal Remedies Regulations, 1996 which transposes into Irish law EU legislation regarding the supply and use of veterinary medicines in the EU. The regulations were introduced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development under powers contained in the Animal Remedies Act, 1993. The regulations also lay down rules for the administration of animal remedies and certain matters relating to veterinary practice in relation to animal remedies.
Disinfectants are used by the industry in foot-baths and in the cleaning of fish tanks and equipment. Only ova are directly treated with disinfectant. There are currently no anaesthetics licensed for use in fish farming. While a number of antibiotics are licensed for use in finfish farming, in practice antibiotics are rarely used by the industry. Sampling and monitoring programmes carried out by the Marine Institute under EU and national regulatory frameworks encompass fish health status, testing for residue levels and environmental impact. These programmes ensure that the highest food safety standards and best environmental practice are complied with by the industry.
