I wish to inform the House of the position in regard to fish mortalities in Donegal Bay. Reports were received in July that significant levels of fish mortalities were being experienced by salmon farms in Inver Bay, County Donegal. The Marine Institute was mandated immediately to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the situation, with a view to determining the cause of the mortalities. An extensive process of investigation and analysis has been undertaken since then by staff of the Marine Institute and other experts engaged by the institute. The investigation was widened to include McSwyne's Bay in August when it became apparent that significant mortalities were also occurring in that bay.