1. Submission on Aquaculture Iascairí Intíre Cois Cladach na hÉireann (IIE) Presented by Eamon O’Corcora

2. Types of Aquaculture Fish Farms (Land Versus Cages at Sea) Shellfish Hatcheries Bivalve

3. Issues Pollution by Cages at Sea for fin fish (Salmon, Trout) Farm Fish Escapees mixing with wild stocks Using feed source of wild fish stocks (Krill and Kaplan) Content of Feed pellets Use of pesticides and antibiotics Health Dangers Eutrophication Sea Lice (44 per Salmon) (kills wild smolts) Environmental Impact Commercial Fishing versus fish farms Sustainable Lobster stock for commercial fishing Risk to small locally run business

4. Positive examples Cornwall National Lobster Hatchery Orkney Lobster Hatchery (1985) Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery Bridlingtion Lobster Hatchery Anglesey Lobster Hatchery of Wales New England Aquarium Lobster Lab Pictou Lobster Hatchery Nova Scotia Redclaw Hatchery Queensland Australia Queensland Crayfish Hatchery Senegal Shrimp Hatchery

5. Recommendations Strategic Environmental Assessment Onshore tank systems (better water quality, increased production) e.g. Niri Rejuvenation Program – release shellfish into the wild Commercial Fishermen as stakeholders Costal Communities Fund (e.g. UK) Draft Strategic Plan should include onshore fin fish farms and shellfish hatcheries

6. Benefits Rejuvenation of wild stocks Viable commercial fishing sector Environmental Benefit (e.g. prawn reintroduction fights infection in Senegal) Sustainable future for rural, costal and Gaeltacht communities Tourist Attraction Educational Hatchery Jobs