Freshwater fish farmers could significantly boost their output without increasing the risk of pollution, according to a report published yesterday. It called for current restrictions to be lifted if the industry, worth £16.5 million to the economy, is to be allowed to meet expansion targets set out in the National Development Plan.
The report, Freshwater Farming in Ireland, was published by Bord Iascaigh Mhara in consultation with industry representatives.
It said that limits on fish-farm production did not take account of technological advances which enabled farmers to produce more without affecting the impact of their enterprises on the environment.
It also highlighted the lack of a common standard among local authorities in the way fish farms were regulated. Production limits varied and there was a need for a uniform national standard.
The industry is currently regulated by a number of State bodies including the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency and county councils.
The National Development Plan envisages an increase in freshwater trout production from the current 1,200 tonnes, worth £2.5 million, to 2,298 tonnes, worth £5.3 million, by 2006. Salmon production is targeted to increase from 18,076 tonnes, worth £47 million, to 38,076 tonnes, worth £80 million.
The report was received by the Minister of State for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Hugh Byrne, in Wexford at a symposium on freshwater fish farming. He said the proposals would be carefully considered.
