Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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235. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a recent scientific review of 300 peer-reviewed papers on the impact of marine-based salmon lice on sea trout and wild salmon stocks, which conflicts with advice provided by the Marine Institute; and if this warrants a revaluation of knowledge in this regard. [45076/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The report referred to by the Deputy is published by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research as a digital open access document.

The report has been examined by the Marine Institute which has determined that it is not a “new study” and does not contain any new material. In addition, it is not a peer reviewed article nor does it meet the criteria for new research or novel interpretations of existing data.

In Ireland the control protocols in respect of sea lice are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced than those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:

-the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry

-data obtained as a result of inspections is published

-treatment trigger levels are set at a low level.

These controls, which are evidence based, are widely accepted as representing best practice internationally.