Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

237. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a scheme to decommission remaining salmon licences on a voluntary, last offer basis. [16224/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Aquaculture offers an environmentally sustainable way of producing high quality, high protein foods.

Applications for aquaculture licences for the cultivation of finfish are considered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and (in the case of marine aquaculture) the 1933 Foreshore Act. The licensing process is complex and involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors, as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.

Decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following full consideration of all scientific, legislative, public interest and technical elements of each application, including the specific production system proposed in each case.

As the Competent Authority for aquaculture licencing, the Department is responsible for assessing the potential adverse effects of aquaculture licence applications (in combination with other plans or projects) on Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) in the context of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. As part of this process all applications for marine finfish aquaculture are screened to determine if a full Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is required. In addition, an application for a marine finfish licence (except in very limited circumstances) must be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR).

The Department has no scientific advice to suggest that there is any basis for the collective revocation of aquaculture licenses (per the legislative provisions in relation to same) or to incentivise finfish aquaculture operators to surrender their licences and cease operating. Irish farmed organic salmon is Ireland's primary seafood export, with €115 million worth of farmed organic salmon exported in 2023.

My Department has no plans to put in place a scheme to 'decommission' aquaculture licences for salmon farming.

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

238. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing a pilot scheme for a limited hand line bass fishery similar to that in place in France and Britain. [16225/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has been to the forefront in protecting the vulnerable Sea Bass stock for many years with a complete prohibition on commercial fishing in place since 1990. In addition, EU vessels are prohibited from fishing for Sea Bass in Irish waters of Area 7 (the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and waters of the south-west and west coast).

Recreational fisheries are also strictly controlled with only catch and release recreational fisheries allowed in February and March and a bag limit of two fish per fisher per day in January and from 1 April to 31 December.

In Irish waters, the Sea Bass stock is at its maximum northerly range and the stock is considerably smaller than that in more southern waters. It is a slow growing species, making it particularly vulnerable to over-fishing. Consequently, there are no plans to re-introduce commercial fishing for Sea Bass in waters around Ireland at present.