Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on concerns raised over the destructive sealice and salmon farming practices; the way he plans to protect wild salmon; his position regarding salmon farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40201/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the concerns raised nationally and internationally surrounding the incidence of sea lice in salmon farming and the associated impact on wild salmonids including sea trout stocks. Wild Atlantic Salmon is a protected species under the EU Habitats Directive and the management of all fisheries (including salmon farming) must make an appropriate assessment of its impact on wild stocks in compliance with the directive. This is to ensure that aquaculture development is well managed and co-exists in a sustainable manner with wild fisheries. As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for the aquaculture sector and salmon farming is a matter for my colleague, Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.