Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 December 2013
136. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned by the recent ordering of a culling of lice infested farmed salmon in Norway to protect young migrating wild salmon; if he is concerned that planned farming activity in Irish waters could lead to a similar problem and threaten wild stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52174/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s sea lice control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute and are strictly evidence-based. The protocols are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:
- The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry.
- Data obtained as a result of inspections is published and made widely available.
- Treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.
In 2008, the State introduced a new Pest Management Strategy, supplementing the control regime already in place. This has resulted in a steady decline in average sea lice numbers on farmed salmon since its inception.
