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Dáil Éireann - Volume 424 - 03 November, 1992

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sea Trout Stocks.

16. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if the virus infecting sea trout on the west coast has been positively identified; and the efforts, if any, which are being made to solve the problem.

32. Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine the steps he intends to take to deal with the very serious sea lice problem on salmon farms in the West of Ireland, which is affecting the region's [1651] hugely valuable sea trout stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

52. Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine if he has considered the appeal made in October 1992, by a wide range of businesses involved in tourism in Galway and Mayo for urgent action to restore sea trout stocks in the region; his response to the appeal; if any new proposals are planned to deal with this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

103. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the contents of the STAG Report which indicated that a number of factors could be responsible for the decimation of sea trout including sea lice infestation generated around the huge salmon farm cages in the seas off the west coast.

Dr. Woods: I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 32, 52 and 103 together.

There are a number of differing views as to the cause of the sea trout collapse. Deputies will be aware from my previous replies on this issue that the report of the Sea Trout Action Group (STAG) pointed to an increase in the number of sea lice emanating from salmon farms as the major contributory factor. By contrast, the report of the separate scientific working group, which represents a synthesis of all formed scientific views on this problem, concluded that, on the basis of the evidence to date, it has not been possible to attribute the sea trout collapse to any one of the many factors characterising the problem.

I made it very clear earlier this year that work on this complex issue should go forward in a spirit of co-operation and that differing perceptions as to the cause of the problem should not stand in the way of concerted action. It was with this objective firmly in mind that I announced my action plan on sea trout research, conservation, and management strategies for fish farms, last May. I am glad to have this opportunity to advise the [1652] House of developments since I announced the action plan.

The 1992 sea trout research programme has been proceeding under the direction of my chief scientific adviser and involves the Fisheries Research Centre, the Salmon Research Agency, the Central Fisheries Board, University College Galway and Trinity College Dublin. The main areas of research include the health status of wild salmonid stocks, the life-cycle of the sea louse and sea trout physiology. The scientific working group will convene in early December to review the outcome of this year's research programme and I have asked the chief scientific adviser to submit the group's report to me before the end of the year. In the meantime I would say to Deputies that definitive judgments and conclusions about the 1992 sea trout season would be premature. However, I am advised that preliminary indications are that there has been an improvement in some river systems.

On the conservation front, the three by-laws which I introduced in May will continue in force until 31 December next when I will review them with an eye to the 1993 season. I am advised that the by-laws, which provide for close seasons, sanctuary areas and a ban on retaining or selling of sea trout, are being enforced by the relevant regional fisheries boards and that they are being observed by fishermen.

The implementation of new management strategies for fish farms continues to be intensively progressed by my Department with the co-operation of the salmon farming sector. In particular, my Department's sea lice monitoring programme has been in operation since last April, following on from last year's programme. I would point out that the monitoring programme is more than just a data gathering exercise. The objective has been to use the information generated from the regular monitoring carried out by my officials to advise fish farmers on integrated fish husbandry and lice treatment strategies. I can confirm that this systematic approach is paying [1653] dividends in terms of site management and lice control.

The other strands of the management strategy are also being progressed by my Department in the context of the 1993 season and forward years. These include reviews of stocking densities and the identification of additional sites for fallowing and husbandry purposes. All proposals for additional sites must be backed up by extensive environmental and other technical data. Some involve the full formal process of environmental impact assessment. There is a public consultative process inherent in all of this.

I am satisfied that the course of action which I initiated last May is the most effective approach to his complex and multifaceted issue. I am always ready to consider additional constructive proposals and in that regard I have noted the concerns expressed by a number of interests, including tourism interests, and will take these into account when I consider the strategies to be implemented for 1993. I will be formulating the 1993 programme shortly, which will build on the action I have already taken this year, in light of the forthcoming report to me on the outcome of the 1992 research effort; the effectiveness of the conservation measures this season, and the results of this year's work on fish farm management strategies.

Mr. Deasy: By the time the Minister's report is completed there will be no sea trout left. Everybody — except the Minister — knows that sea trout are being wiped out because of lice breeding in fish farms. Why will the Minister not do something to stop this happening?

Dr. Woods: I do not know whether the Deputy was listening to my reply——

Mr. Deasy: I was, it was the most long winded reply I ever heard.

Dr. Woods: There are scientists who are a little wiser than the Deputy in regard to this area and they have found that the matter is more complex then the Deputy would like people to believe.

[1654] Mr. Deasy: As a scientist I also have knowledge although I am not a tomato scientist.

Dr. Woods: I would prefer to put my money on the scientists than on the Deputy's outlandish statement. I am a scientist in other areas, I have a number of degrees.

Mr. Allen: Jack of all trades, master of none.

Mr. Howlin: Peacemaker.

Dr. Woods: I accept that it is a major problem——

Mr. Deasy: We know the reason for it.

Dr. Woods: It is not that simple, Deputy. Half-way through the year I initiated an action plan to deal with the matter in management terms. The programme will continue into next year, we are reviewing the result of the tests done this year and the new management systems which have been introduced and we will improve them next year. I know it is a very important issue and we take it very seriously.

An Ceann Comhairle: The time for dealing with ordinary questions is exhausted.

Mr. Deasy: With regard to Question No. 17 will the Minister dispatch a few Spanish trawlers?

Dr. Woods: I note the Deputy's point.

Mr. Deasy: Question time has been reduced to a farce.

An Ceann Comhairle: The Chair does his best and does not have any control over the replies of Ministers. At times he has little control over the supplementary questions put by Deputies.

Mr. Deasy: It will take some time to mediate between the two boys.

[1655] An Ceann Comhairle: I am calling Question No. 20.

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