Persons engaged in fish farming are required to conduct their operations in accordance with the specified terms and conditions of their aquaculture licences. In addition, in the case of fin-fish farming, a series of protocols have been put in place that lay down requirements in respect of matters such as fallowing, benthic monitoring and the monitoring and control of sea lice.
The licence conditions and other requirements are designed to ensure that aquaculture is carried on in accordance with high standards of environmental and ecological protection. It will be a continuing priority for my Department, therefore, to ensure that there are high levels of compliance by fish farmers with their specific obligations and responsibilities.
The salmon farming sector has been significantly affected by the incidence in its stocks of pancreas disease. The Marine Institute is actively engaged with the industry in looking for solutions to this problem.