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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 4

Priority Questions. - Aquaculture Industry.

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

113 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he plans to set up a full investigation into and review of the aquaculture and fish farming industries here. [22181/03]

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

115 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to carry out a review of the role of his Department in the monitoring of the reported incidences of the dumping of farmed salmon in Galway in summer 2003 and Inver Bay in 2002; and his plans to investigate a strategic review of the sustainable development of the salmon farm industry in view of the renewed concerns regarding the effect of increased sea lice populations on wild salmon and sea trout populations, the effect of climate change and increased water temperatures on the industry, and the likely future restrictions on use of wild fish catches as a food supply. [22394/03]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

117 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the serious allegations made on a recent television programme (details supplied) of abuses by a number of fish farmers in regard to containment hygiene and the safe disposal of fish carcases and fish waste; the action he has taken as a result of these allegations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22184/03]

No more than 18 minutes have been allocated for these questions.

The Irish aquaculture industry provides full-time and part-time employment for some 1,770 people and had a production in 2002 of over 62,000 tonnes, valued at €117 million. Finfish production accounted for 24,000 tonnes, with a value of €82 million, while shellfish production was 38,000 tonnes, valued at €35 million.

The industry plays a vital role in the economic life of many peripheral coastal communities and is recognised as having potential for further growth and development, focused, in particular, on the delivery of premium, high-quality products that meet market requirements. The experience in Ireland in this regard is likely to reflect trends in the industry worldwide. Aquaculture has grown significantly over recent decades, with annual growth in the order of 10% globally since 1990, and is expected to maintain its position as the fastest growing area of food production. The industry is also characterised by ongoing diversification and innovation including the cultivation of new species.

The potential for growth can only be realised and the future of existing operations secured, if the industry operates on a sustainable basis and in accordance with high standards of environmental ecological protection.

It is of critical importance, therefore, that all operators comply in full with the terms and conditions of their aquaculture licences, and co-oper ate fully with the authorities charged with the monitoring and control of their operations. Failure to do so could, apart from the serious legal issues involved, damage the reputation and competitive position of the industry generally. I am, therefore, very concerned by reports of instances of alleged failure to comply with the appropriate standards and requirements.

A specific instance of the alleged inappropriate disposal of fish mortalities has been investigated by my Department and the advice of the legal services has been sought on further action to be taken. In these circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the particular case.

In relation to the fish mortalities in Inver Bay in 2002 referred to by Deputy Ryan, the position is that this incident was investigated fully by my Department. Arrangements for dealing with the situation were put in place in line with advice received from independent consultants and the Marine Institute, and the situation has been monitored on an ongoing basis in the meantime. A comprehensive investigation of the fish mortalities which occurred in Donegal Bay in July of this year has been initiated. The scope of this exercise has been extended to take account of the significant mortalities experienced over recent months at other farms along the west coast. As the investigation is continuing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on these matters at present. However, I would bring to the House's attention the fact that the Marine Institute, in a statement last week, said that the studies carried out indicate that the dredge spoil from Killybegs Harbour did not cause the fish mortalities at Inver Bay or McSwine's Bay.

As regards regulatory arrangements generally, I have instructed my Department to initiate a comprehensive review of the existing procedures for monitoring and control of aquaculture and marine finfish farming in particular. The objective of this review, which will be undertaken by a unit established for the purpose, will be to ensure that appropriate systems and processes are in place for the regulation of all aspects of the industry. Any new arrangements that may emerge from this review will build on existing systems for control and enforcement. These include 14 visits by the Marine Institute in connection with sea control, as well as annual fish health inspections and the residues monitoring programme. Farm inspections are also carried out by officials of the Department, which to date this year covered 35 marine finfish sites.

In addition, the Department is also examining structures for the delivery of regulatory services to the aquaculture industry and will bring forward proposals in this respect in the near future. The Department is also working with industry representatives and other public bodies in a group established to address matters relating to the disposal of waste from fish farms. An underlying objective is to ensure that arrangements put in place by fish farms are fully in conformity with the legal procedures governing the disposal of such waste.

The House may be assured that failure on the part of fish farmers to comply with the specified standards and requirements for their operations will not be tolerated and will be pursued vigorously. There must also be a clear recognition by fish farmers that their best interests and those of the industry generally are most effectively served by rigorous compliance with the prescribed standards and obligations.

I have seen this morning a video of the "Prime Time" programme broadcast a couple of weeks ago. The revelations arising from it are absolutely frightening. There are three or four aspects about which I would be seriously worried. Will there be a full investigation following that programme? Was the Minister of State aware of the full extent of the problems before the programme was made? Does he think that the reputation of the aquaculture sector has been tarnished following this programme? What has the Marine Institute done since the programme, or before it? I realise the Minister of State has referred to this, but perhaps he could go into it in more detail.

The Minister of State also mentioned the dredging of Killybegs Harbour. Could he say if this had anything to do with the fish kill? Another issue which has come to light is the lice problem that was seen in the television programme. What action does the Minister propose to take to ensure that all salmon farmers control the lice levels on their farms in the critical period between January and May each year to ensure that the sea trout in adjacent rivers are not decimated by sea lice?

I would hope that his Department would take this "Prime Time" programme seriously because, leaving fish kills aside, the economy in the local area is totally dependent on aquaculture – fish, trout salmon, etc. That would have been a major part of the economy and it has gone totally downhill in recent years, with the widespread closure of bed and breakfast accommodation. The programme did not make good viewing. It is important to know whether the Minister was aware of what had happened and if the Marine Institute has taken up the matter. Has the Minister of State seen the programme? It is very important that action is taken on this as soon as possible.

All of us would be concerned about the "Prime Time" programme, but we are also very much aware of the importance of aquaculture, particularly on the west coast. We have been initiating very strict regulations over the years. It is a very new industry, but very important, employing as it does about 2,000 people. We were aware of the Inver Bay mortalities at that time. We had asked the Marine Institute immediately to carry out a comprehensive investigation with a view to determining the cause of the mortalities. It has done extensive work across a range of disciplines over recent months. However, it has not to date been possible to establish the reason for the fish deaths. The investigation is continuing and its scope has been broadened in light of information that has emerged in recent times about the high levels of mortality at other fish farms along the western seaboard over recent months. The Marine Institute has vets, chemists and marine scientists as well as experts from abroad involved in its investigations.

On the issue of dredging, a number of allegations were made as to the cause of the mortalities. Practically all of them have been ruled out. As regards dredging, specifically, the Marine Institute indicated in a media statement last week that dredge spoil from Killybegs Harbour did not cause the mortalities at Inver Bay or McSwine's Bay in July or August. It is adamant that the dredging there was not a problem. The Marine Institute, however, is continuing its investigations. Naturally, both the Minister and I want to see the matter fully investigated and cleared up as quickly as possible. While some Deputies in this House – not Deputy Kehoe – may not regard aquaculture as important, we would certainly see its potential and further development in this country as very important, particularly in the coastal counties.

Would the Minister of State please advise which Members of this House do not believe that aquaculture is an important industry? Is there any particular party or Member that he feels does not desire to see an aquaculture industry developed in a sustainable manner? I would be interested to hear that answer. He has just said there are some such Members. In the Green Party we certainly recognise the potential benefits in economic and employment terms from aquaculture. Sustainability is required, however, on a variety of different fronts.

In listening to the different organs of the State in terms of developing aquaculture, one would think that the only sustainability they are interested in is economic. Environmental sustainability is an afterthought. Unfortunately, nature has a way of biting back and if one is not operating in a sustainable manner one may not be able to operate economically because what is being done is not feasible and may lead to some of the large fish kills that we have seen this summer.

I have asked numerous people in various Departments about what happened in Inver Bay in 2002 and have been told that 8,000, 15,000, 50,000 or 80,000 fish died. It is impossible to know who is right on this. However, we know that the owner has admitted that 40,000 fish were dumped at the bottom of a net. Would the Minister agree that the sanctioning by his Department and by the Marine Institute is remarkable given the clear guidelines set out by the FAO, the Food and Aquaculture Organisation, the UN body responsible, in its code for good fishery practice? Specifically CCRF article 9.4.6 states:

Dead fish and other waste that may be hazardous either to the aquaculture establishment or the public should be disposed of in appropriately designed facilities, approved by the relevant supervisory agency.

This dumping was not approved by the Department and it runs against the code of practice recommended by the international organisation setting out guidelines for responsible aquaculture policy. On that basis why did the Department think it was such a good idea that it sanctioned it after the fact, as it was not aware of it during the fact?

In terms of the monitoring and investigation that needs to be carried out it is not satisfactory for the Minister of State to say that the Minister and he are looking into it, are keen to find out details and are asking the Department to clarify matters. The problem is that the accusation is made against that Department in that it was not monitoring the level of sea life properly, it acquiesced to dumping activities and it was not carrying out the monitoring activity it needed to carry out as thoroughly as other countries do. It is impossible for the Department to review its own operations in that regard. It needs an outside body to carry out an investigation into the Department, which publicly is seen not to be carrying out its functions properly.

If the Minister does not believe that point there is a further problem in that the industry is pointing the finger at the Department in saying that the Department itself in its dumping of dredge material off the Donegal coast may have caused the problems at Inver Bay this summer. Even if he does not accept that the Department—

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy should confine himself to questions.

Does he think it is sufficient for the Department to recognise this itself? Will the Department carry out a long-term strategic review of the fish farming business in light of what has happened this summer? Does the Minister recognise there are serious questions about the level of sea lice on the wild sea trout and salmon populations? Does he recognise there is serious concern over the effects of global warming, combined with nitrogen and phosphorous releases from fish farms which could be leading to toxic algae blooms, which could be responsible for what we saw in Inver Bay this summer? There are serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fish farming industry as it is currently devised given the level of eutrophication and phosphorous emissions from these farms.

These farms use four pounds of wild fish to create one pound of farmed fish. Is that sustainable given the millennium goals concerning the catch of wild fish for farming? Will the Department review that? I would like to be able to stand here and support an aquaculture industry that promotes jobs to the west and north-west. However to do that needs a product that is economically viable – giving a high price – and environmentally viable. There is no evidence that the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is taking such a view.

My Department has a very serious monitoring programme.

It cannot monitor itself.

As I said in my initial reply there were 14 visits by the Marine Institute to inspect for sea lice, which is more than one per month. To date officials from the Department have covered 35 marine finfish sites. It is obvious that the Department is monitoring on a regular basis. I have instructed my Department to initiate a comprehensive review of existing procedures for monitoring and control of aquaculture and marine finfish farming in particular. We are also examining structures for the delivery of a regulatory service to the aquaculture industry and we are working with the industry representatives and other public bodies in a group established to address matters relating to the disposal of waste from fish farms.

The Deputy spoke about dumping. I assure him that all the allegations made in the programme about dumping are being and will continue to be fully investigated by the Marine Institute. Some local authorities which are responsible for illegal dumping have taken a direct interest. The programme mentioned that the Norwegians are considerably ahead of us on sea lice. This is not the truth. Our programme has been running since 1992. The Norwegian officials came here in 1998 and had to copy our system. That country's system has only been in operation for two years. It is run by the salmon farmers themselves on a self-regulating basis.

What happened to our sea trout population?

The Minister of State did not interrupt the Deputy.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The time for the question has concluded.

All inspections in our system are carried out independently by officers of the Marine Institute, which is a Government agency but is independent. The allegation about sea lice concerning Irish fish farms is not true.

It came from the Government scientists.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

It is time to finish dealing with these questions.

Every effort will be made, first by the Marine Institute, to find the reasons for the mortalities, which have subsequent serious financial losses for the fish farms involved, and we want to get to the bottom of the problem. If the institute cannot find a solution to the problem we will have to look at different ways to find a solution. We are very concerned about what was shown in the "Prime Time" programme and want to find the reasons for the mortalities to ensure the aquaculture industry will not suffer in the future and will continue to develop and expand, which is what all sides of the House wish to see.

Like other Deputies, I was devastated by the "Prime Time" report, which presented prima facie evidence of grave wrongdoing by two companies, one in Donegal and one in Connemara. The Minister spoke about arms-length actions. What steps has he taken to address the allegations in the “Prime Time” programme? For example, has he been in touch with Galway County Council and the EPA about John O'Carroll's farm given the serious allegations about that? Has the Minister contacted the Garda or the Director of Public Prosecutions about either of the major instances that were portrayed in that programme?

The Minister said the Department undertakes a major monitoring role. Over the past five years has the Department fined or in any other way punished fish farms over sea lice or waste disposal? In other words what monitoring is carried out? We will discuss the topic of dumping later this evening when we debate the Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill. For six years the Government promised the coastal zone management Bill and it is on the Clár again for 2004. We do not have a White Paper on aquaculture and there is no other promised legislation. When will we see the coastal zone management Bill?

Following the serious allegations made in the "Prime Time" programme, has the Minister given consideration to memberships of State boards by directors of companies, which are the subject of serious allegations?

The Minister mentioned Norway. The "Prime Time" programme showed clearly that certain fjords on the Norwegian coastline were precluded from fish farming and that aquaculture is simply not allowed. There seems to be very close control and monitoring of the industry, which on the evidence presented this afternoon does not exist in Ireland.

I assure the Deputy that my Department and the local authorities in the relevant areas are pursuing the allegations about illegal dumping.

Does the Minister of State have contact with the local authorities?

My Department officials have sought to have that dealt with through the legal channels and the Chief State Solicitor.

Is there a possibility that there might be prosecutions?

There is always the possibility.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Order please. The time is up for this question. Can the Minister of State conclude?

This is the key point.

They are being investigated fully and if there is wrongdoing then the relevant local authorities will prosecute. With regard to people on board—

The Minister of State is the relevant authority for Inver Bay.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We must move on to the next question.

We have concerns about people on board who have been involved in wrongdoing. We continue to take legal advice on this but our initial legal advice is that due process must take place but we are continuing to monitor that.

Will this be the reaction of the local authorities?

What about previous sanctions? Has the Minister of State ever fined anybody? This is the key point.

Have there been any sanctions?

Has he ever fined anyone in this area?

Can the Minister of State say "Yes" or "No"?

Has there been a single fine?

If the Deputy puts down a question I will get the answer to it.

For God's sake.

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