Potential of estuary outlined in report

Marine species reared with the help of warm waste water from power stations could produce 500 extra jobs in the Shannon estuary, according to a report published yesterday.

The survey, presented in Dublin to the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, was carried out by Galway Aqua Consulting Ltd and the Aquaculture Development Centre in NUI Cork. It says that existing aquaculture activity in the estuary has considerable potential.

The oyster harvest could increase in the next decade, it says, from 439 tons in 1997 to 4,000 tons. The estuary could also have a significant mussel industry of up to 13,000 tons if current trials are successful.

It says seaweed or sea vegetables, such as nori or porphyra, so loved by the Japanese, and halibut, abalone, sea urchins, eels, turbot and baitworm are among new species which could be grown. These could provide up to 514 jobs in the next decade.

The report notes that there are limited opportunities to install offshore floating systems for aquaculture in the estuary due to the exposed nature of some areas, strong currents and the need to maintain navigational channels.

It says that in the middle and upper estuary, where the current is not so strong, water quality is inferior.

However, inshore areas in the Carrigaholt region could offer some protection, and suspended culture of porphyra could be undertaken in near-shore waters away from traffic lanes.

The report recommends that Bord Iascaigh Mhara continue to provide funding for suitable projects, and the industry should be promoted in the estuary by appropriate agencies.

Dr Woods said the new aquaculture licensing arrangements which he had recently introduced would provide the perfect framework to ensure the estuary's potential was realised. This fully respected the needs of other users.