Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 555: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an unlicensed experimental cod farming site is being operated in Bertraghboy Bay, County Galway and that contrary to scientific advice given to his Department, it is being operated in close proximity to a salmon farm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18123/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In January 2005 my Department granted a trial licence under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 for a period of 3 years to Comhlucht Bradan Chonamara Teo for the cultivation of cod. That Company was already the holder of aquaculture licences for the cultivation of salmon on a number of sites in Bertraghboy Bay. The trial licence was granted on the basis that salmon farming should be suspended at each site when they were stocked with cod.

On the expiry of the trial licence my Department contacted the licensee who indicated that the Company was in the process of applying for a full licence for the cultivation of cod. Such an application has not however been received to date. My Department became aware in October 2008 that one of the licensed sites was being restocked with salmon. This is in accordance with the original licences granted for that purpose and which are still extant. However, my Department learned subsequently that some of the sites within Bertraghboy Bay continued to hold cod, although not on the same site that contained salmon.

My Department has held detailed discussions with the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara on the licensing issue and also the importance of the cod trial in the context of aquaculture development and diversification. My Department is currently considering a report submitted by the Marine Institute on the cod trial with a view to achieving an outcome that is fully in keeping with the licensing system.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 556: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to establish a licensing and regulatory system for aquaculture consistent with the realisation of his ambition to expand production in this sector on a sustainable basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18124/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Aquaculture licensing is governed by the terms and conditions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, as amended and Regulations made thereunder, including, in particular, the Aquaculture (Licence Application) Regulations 1998, S.I. No. 236 of 1998. Other Regulations made under the European Communities Act 1972, as amended, also govern other aspects of aquaculture.

The 1997 Act obliges the Minister to determine any application for a licence by either deciding to grant the licence or a variation of the licence, or deciding to refuse to grant the licence. Licences may be granted for a period not exceeding 20 years. In practice licences are generally granted for a period of 10 years. The 1997 Act makes provision for renewal, review, revocation or amendment of licences. The licensing process involves consultation with a range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various statutory consultees and a period of public consultation. Decisions on applications are published and are open to appeal to the independent Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB).

The aquaculture licensing system is currently under examination within my Department having regard to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Seafood Industry Strategy Review Group - "Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013". This examination is focusing, inter alia, on the needs of industry as well as the requirements of national and EU legislation.