Marine finfish farms must also comply with the terms of protocols promulgated by the Department, following consultation, in 2000. These cover matters including benthic and environmental monitoring, fallowing of sites and lice control. Monitoring and control of aquaculture operation is carried out by the Department, with the advice and assistance of the Marine Institute, to ensure that fish farming is conducted in accordance with the applicable standards and requirements. Marine Institute staff visit each finfish farm 14 times a year for the purpose of sea lice monitoring and control. They also carry out fish health inspections and operate a residues monitoring programme.