Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2017
220. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider establishing an independent assessment body incorporating appropriate environmental representatives to oversee the management and control of sea lice infestation on salmon farms. [2127/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSea lice are a naturally occurring marine parasite of fish. Sea lice only affect fish and cause no harm to humans.
The Marine Institute carries out regular inspections of sea lice levels on all fish farms in Ireland in accordance with my Department's sea lice Monitoring Protocol (2000) and National Pest Control Strategy (2008). The inspection regime is totally independent of the industry; data obtained as a result of inspections is published; and treatment trigger levels are set at a low level. These controls are widely accepted as representing best practice internationally. Accordingly I do not believe that the proposal from the Deputy would advance the scientific or practical challenges in managing this issue.
