Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
97 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps that are being taken to protect native aquatic species from damage by non-native water borne organisms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy understanding is that this issue is more appropriate to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In my former role as Minister of State for that Department, I opened the 13th International Aquatic Invasive Species Conference, held in Ennis, County Clare. The conference was initiated in 1992 in response to the growing ecological and economic cost of invasive alien species in the Great Lakes of North America.
With the increasing volume and speed of international trade, more and more species are crossing the geographical barriers by land, sea and air. They include species for aquaculture, fisheries and the pet trade, while many organisms are introduced inadvertently into our marine ecosystems by shipping. This movement of species and the potential problems arising from their introduction has been recognised for many years and the need for measures to control the movement and spread has been addressed at international and EU level.
The measures include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, CITES, and the Convention on Biodiversity as well as the EU's birds directive, habitats directive and the Berne Convention.
Proposals for addressing the impact of alien species on native biodiversity are included in the biodiversity plans for Ireland. Earlier this year an all-Ireland review of invasive alien species was conducted jointly by the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Environment and Heritage Service in the North. This is the first attempt at an all-Ireland approach to the problem. The final report provides a thorough review of knowledge and expert opinion on invasive species throughout the island. It also evaluates existing legislation and policy.
The most immediate threats to native aquatic species in Ireland are through the route of aquaculture. Protection from a health perspective is in the form of Council Directive 91/67/EEC concerning the animal health conditions governing the placing on the market of aquaculture animals and products. Any farm wishing to import aquatic species from abroad must have a valid movement permit and accompanying health certificate. A species with a disease that falls under the category of list I, II, or III diseases, is prevented from entering the country.
Currently, Ireland is participating in working groups of two organisations: the International Council for Exploration of the Sea, ICES, which has a code of practice, updated in 2004, that covers introductions and transfers of exotic marine organisms for aquaculture purposes; the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, for control and management of ships' ballast water and sediments.
The EU Commission has recently brought forward a proposal for rules governing the introduction of exotic species and containment of stock in aquaculture. This proposal has not yet been finalised. The Irish authorities are actively seeking to address the issues affecting this area through continued participation in these international working groups and will support EU initiatives on the matter.
