Fish farmers are puzzled at the stance taken by the North Western Regional Fisheries Board (NWRFB) in relation to aquaculture activity within its area.
The fisheries board chairman, Mr John Walkin, has said it will oppose any new fish farms within its region, and will also object to expansion of existing salmon and trout farms. The board's region extends from Mullaghmore Head, Co Sligo, to Pigeon Point, Clew Bay, Co Mayo.
However, the Irish Salmon Growers' Association (ISGA), which represents the majority of finfish farmers, says there are few fish farms in this area. "We are not sure what Mr Walkin is talking about, but either way it is very disappointing for a State agency to come out with a blanket statement like this," Mr Richie Flynn, chief executive of the ISGA, said yesterday.
The Western Regional Fisheries Board (WRFB) has already taken a strong stance on aquaculture activity, but its region is the focus for much of the State's fish farming activity. The Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board has been working for some years to ensure licences are issued with public consultation, while Bord Iascaigh Mhara has also been trying to reach agreement through the co-ordinated local aquaculture management system (CLAMS).
Mr Walkin said the NWRFB was concerned about the impact of salmon and trout farms on wild fisheries. Mr Richie Flynn of the ISGA pointed out that the north-western and eastern coastlines had little finfish farming activity, and most aquaculture activity in these areas was focused on shellfish.