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Deenish Island – Re-establishment ongoing
Deenish Island salmon farm is currently undergoing extensive upgrading (October 2024) for the next stocking of smolts in February 2025, despite being ordered to close in 2019. This demonstrates the very obvious failings of government bureaucracy whereby the appeal against closure is ongoing for nearly six years. It is depressing that such a situation is allowed to continue while the sea trout population continues to descend into oblivion. The Butler Pool, Waterville. The present situation is that MOWI have an appeal before the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board for six years against closure and have also applied for a renewal and review of their expired licence earlier this year. MOWI have been permitted to continue to produce salmon despite their abject failure to comply with their licence terms and conditions. This farm is withing nine kilometers of Lough Currane and is essentially a reservoir for sea lice, disease and other pathogens which have driven the regional stocks of sea trout into crisis. This was once a famous destination for local , national and international visitors from April to October and is now essentially extinguished as a destination for angling. This is an a appalling situation and suggests that the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food is hiding behind a wall of bureaucracy to allow continuation of this appalling practice at Deenish. It is well worth mentioning that up to three million Euro is being lost to the local economy each year through loss of revenue to Waterville and surrounding area. This is not to mention the appalling destruction of biodiversity. This film by Vincent Hyland demonstrates what has been lost to Waterville. These are now the Ghosts of times past. https://salmonwatchireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FDownloader.Net_AQOoERmIqysNQwhmGL9nTNXsNREiUUX1_GSqOp-_CZjAIVjyL0cvP6qAW56wgal3jPvMJBmviec_8L2wXi8kTRwk_720p_HD.mp4 We have made numerous submissions on the subject which can be viewed here: Deenish Submission Inishfarnard Kenmare Bay - Submission Complaint to EU - Sec 19 We are asking you to send to your local election candidates and ask their help in stopping this environmental disaster. The following video of Deenish Island Salmon Farm in June 2023 demonstrates the level of salmon stocked and the stressful reaction of the fish to high water temperatures. There has been over 40 percent mortality on this farm and others in Kenmare Bay resulting in circa one and a half million mortalities over the past decade. https://salmonwatchireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AQOGlPuMr9u2PdyAiIy1D35GAT7uT7pxzbenDmG2WtpgvvYTmHtBrydD1ifuwzut-1SUK7DoN5jW7By4TufrFNSx.mp4
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Marine Institute - Year in Review - Declining Salmon Count and Low Levels of sea trout The Marine Institute Year in Review 2023 includes a comprehensive count of wild salmon and sea trout for 2023 and demonstrates a declining and unstable population of wild salmon and dramatic population collapse of sea trout. The data covering the period 2019 to 2023 demonstrates a declining trend of survival at sea for wild salmon and reared grilse. It is interesting to note the much improved output of salmon smolts from the relatively higher return of adults in 2020 demonstrating a strong correlation between spawning numbers and smolt output. This system is below its conservation limit due to poor adult return rates and productivity is negatively affected by environmental factors in fresh water. It is evident that more spawning fish, especially fish that are in generally good condition as witnessed in 2020 deposit more ova thus increasing productivity. This is particularly important in rivers where salmon numbers are depressed and where every salmon should be allowed to spawn. This fits in with our policy relating to exploitation and while the majority of rivers are closed to exploitation some remain open and should be treated with caution. Anglers should consider their own conduct and limit their catch. We have advocated for a reduction in tags, one salmon in spring period and return of salmon over 65cm during the summer period while advocating for catch and release of all salmon in September. We have also advocated for a cessation of commercial netting of salmon. The Data demonstrates a reducing trend in sea survival from 10.18 percent in the cohort of smolts which went to sea in 2019, through to 2022 at 5.56 percent. The decreasing trend from 2019 to 2022 smolt cohorts is as follows, 10.18, 7.17, 5.88 and 5.65 (Provisional Data 2023) percent. It is alarming but not a surprise to see the declining trend in survival at sea. 2024 did show an increase in some catchments regarding grilse numbers and it will be interesting to see data from the Marine Institute in next years report. The paltry number of sea trout returning is not surprising and this graph really demonstrates the issue. Salmon Farming is the cause of this collapse and cannot be denied.
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Farmed Salmon Mortality – A new low in Donegal
A new low has been reached in Donegal. Salmon farming has experienced enormous mortality events on a continuous basis but evidence is difficult to garner as the whole process of reporting is shrouded in secrecy. The majority of farm renewal applications are redacted heavily but the latest application has its mortality figures on display without redaction. Ocean Farm Ltd has applied for renewal and review of its operation in Mc Swynes Bay in Donegal and there are extraordinary mortality figures on display. To date no explanation of mortality events is to hand but the level suggests that such events are common place. It is extraordinary that such information is normally hidden from public oversight and it is very disconcerting that such events are not publicly available as the small numbers of surviving fish are entering the food chain without an explanation of the large scale mortality. We certainly are alarmed that the general public is routinely not informed of mortality events and that the commercial sensitivity of such events is being used to mask information which should be in public domain. We will be making a submission on this application in near future and will be available to use if persons wish to make their own personal observations : Extract from Application :Documentation Ocean Farm Ltd
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Waterville Fishery – Another year draws to a close- Sea Trout in terminal decline
Waterville's sea trout is in continuous decline and the issues with salmon farming continue. Deenish Island and Inishfarnard continue to operate and certainly are causing significant issues for the once iconic sea trout of Lough Currane. We will in conjunction with Currane fisheries soon launch a renewed campaign to highlight the damage caused by salmon farming and hope to persuade the Department of Agriculture to follow up on their decision to close Deenish in 2019. We may in time have to enter the High Court to judicially review the continued operation of the farm at Deenish and will be looking for your support in this important undertaking. We will be in touch when campaign is ready and hope for continued support.
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Ballisodare Report – Inland Fisheries Ireland
Salmon Watch Ireland welcomes the publishing of the report concerning the large scale mortality event on the Ballisodare River in June and July this year. While the report does not specifically identify a cause of the mortalities, it does outline a number of factors which may have impacted the adult salmon population. It is encouraging to see that mortalities have not occurred since higher water on the river became established on the 20th July. The issues surrounding fish passage do require attention and it is hoped that a practical approach to the issue can be put in place. It must always be remembered that this river without the fish passes at the lower falls and at Colooney would not be a salmon river as salmon could not pass the natural barriers at these locations until the passes were constructed. We would suggest that at all times the salmon are prioritised through a regime of facilitating free passage. To this end we suggest that IFI should examine the feasibility of mitigating further natural barriers upstream of the lower falls. In the interim we do see the benefit of managing access until a resolution can be found to alleviate stress factors above the lower falls. IFI Report
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Fish Kills – Ireland –
This is a most revealing report and should be studied to ascertain trends evident in data. It must also be stressed that diffuse sources from agriculture are probably the biggest threat to rivers and lakes which requires a change to macro policy concerning agriculture. Finance can go a long way to upgrading and replacing urban waste water infrastructure. The overuse of water in Ireland is alarming with all water from houses and industry being discharged to treatment plants. The older plants also receive storm water which has certainly increased with climate related issues. This study gathered and digitised data from 2107 fish kill events in Ireland, spanning more than 50 years from 1969 to 2022. Spatial data was available for 1738 fish kills. • The number of reported fish kill events has decreased since reporting began in 1969 especially when compared to the high levels of the 1980’s. • Four phases of fish kills occurred in Ireland since 1969. The worst years for reported fish kills were in the 1980s, particularly 1984, 1987 and 1980 respectively with a total of 347 fish kills recorded. Since 1992 there has been a downward trend in reported fish kills. The peak in fish kill reports in the 1980s coincided with an intensification of agriculture in Ireland. Despite the downward trend since about 2012,there have been several relatively high numbers recorded, mainly coinciding with the occurrence of heatwaves and droughts. • Fish kills were more prevalent during the summer months, when warm weather and low water levels exacerbated potential underlying problems within a channel. • Common causes included agriculture, eutrophication, industry and municipal activities. • Fish kill events were less frequent in the west and northwest and hotspots were particularly prevalent in the east, south and the north midlands probably coinciding with intensive agricultural activity and large urban centres. • Fish kills occurred in every county since 1969. Counties Cork and Cavan had the highest proportion of fish kills, while Co. Roscommon and Co. Westmeath had the lowest. • In the 1970’s the highest number of fish kills (where spatial data was available) was reported from Co. Tipperary and in the 1980s from Co. Cork. In the 1990s and 2000s, Co. Cavan had the highest, and in the 2010s it was Co. Cork. Since 2020, the highest number has been recorded in Co. Cavan, followed by Co. Cork. • Since 1969, the Erne Catchment (Hydrometric Area 36) had the highest number of reported fish kills. This was followed by the Lee, Cork Harbour and Youghal Bay (Hydrometric Area 19), the Barrow (Hydrometric Area 14), Suir (Hydrometric Area 16) and Liffey and Dublin Bay (Hydrometric Area 09) catchments. • Across IFI’s fishery regions, the Eastern River Basin District (ERBD) had the highest number of fish kill reports during the study period. Two river sub-basin waterbodies in the ERBD (Avoca_020 and Avoca_010) had the highest number of fish kill reports. The Erne_080 (NWRBD), Feale_090 (ShRBD), Barrow_140 (SERBD) and Cavan_010 (NWRBD) were also among the top six sub-basin waterbodies with the highest number of fish kill reports. • Rivers were the most impacted waterbody followed by lakes. Read Full Report:Full Report Read More
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Update -Escapee Salmon on the move and fast: Farmed Salmon Caught Owenmore River
Reports coming in of farmed salmon caught on Owenmore River which is over 70 km from Killary within seven days. Is this fish from Killary or has there been another escape? Escapee salmon from Rosroe salmon farm in Killary have migrated long distances over the last ten days. These fish which have compromised genetics and may in time breed with wild salmon should at all costs be removed by any means possible. These fish have been caught both in the sea by anglers fishing for mackerel but more alarmingly have entered rivers both within Killary Harbour and further afield. Some have traveled over 25km north to the Bunowen and south as far as the Dawros system. These fish are being caught in these systems by anglers and should immediately be killed and reported to Inland Fisheries Ireland. The operator of the farm has suggested that these fish may not mature until 2025 but little is known of how they develop when released into the wild and thus may pose a risk this spawning season. There are many small rivers with unique genetic salmon populations and these are at high risk of damage by escapees through interbreeding. Disease may also pose a risk to all wild salmonids both near and far. There is every risk that the escapee salmon will continue to migrate and pose a risk to populations along the western sea board. There are a number of rivers within the area which are part of conservation areas which have wild Atlantic salmon as a qualifying interest and this highlights the unacceptable risk posed by open cage farming. There is no safe way to protect wild salmon if these farms are not moved onto land.
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Salmon Escape Killary Update
Salmon Watch Ireland have requested the Marine Institute, and copied the Food Safety Authority and BIM, to speedily make a statement on the safety of farmed salmon escapees in Killary and wider area. We have received information that these fish are being caught both in salt water and in freshwater catchments flowing into Killary and some are being consumed. It is our strong opinion that these fish should under no circumstances be eaten as they may be harbouring significant residues of anti-biotics, vaccine residues and indeed anti parasitic medicines. Text of email " Salmon Watch Ireland requires that the Marine Institute issue a statement regarding the escape in Killary Harbour on 11th August particularly in regard to the health status of the farmed salmon which escaped into the wild. We are particularly interested to ascertain if these fish pose a risk to human health as anecdotal reports indicate that a significant number of these fish are being caught and some consumed. We will also be copying this email to the Health Service Authority, BIM and the Food Safety Authority. We also wish to ascertain if any disease was present on the farm which could affect wild salmonids. It is common practice to starve fish prior to harvest to reduce any medication present but these fish were actively feeding and thus may prove to be harbouring high levels of antibiotic residue and anti parasitic medicine. We could always go through the FOI process but this information should be in the public domain as soon as possible. It is also evident that the condition of these fish have all the hallmarks of poor fish welfare and sea lice damage is evident on fins. Some selected photos demonstrate the overall poor condition of these fish which should trigger
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Salmon Farm Escape – Killary Harbour , County Galway
Salmon Watch Ireland has been alerted this morning to a large escape of farmed salmon from Rosroe salmon farm in Killary Harbour which occurred on Sunday, 11th August. The escape appears to have been caused by a fish farm boat colliding with salmon cages which resulted in an escape of farmed salmon numbering over ten thousand fish. It must be stressed that this figure may be an underestimate as it is likely that accurate reporting of such escapes are at best, estimated. The farmed salmon are 1.5 kg to 2kg in weight and reports indicate that large numbers can be seen throughout Killary Harbour. The farm licence is listed as owned by Docon Limited, Mulranny Co. Mayo with a recent transfer from previous owners in October 2023. Local information suggests that MOWI have a substantial interest in this farm. Salmon Watch Ireland would like to ascertain if all operating procedures were put in place to safeguard the cages prior to this incident and if all necessary reporting steps were taken once the escape was discovered. We would also like to know if steps are to be taken to trap the escapees and prevent them from entering the nearby wild salmon catchments. In the recent decision by Judge Holland in relation to the Bantry Bay Judicial Review, he noted that the EIA was not comprehensive enough as it related to specification and structural integrity of the cage infrastructure. This incident once again highlights the dangers and risk of damage to farms and highlights the very real risk to wild salmon genetics. These fish may in time enter rivers and interbreed with the wild salmon both in Killary harbour catchments and indeed further afield. We regard the removal of open cage technologies as a priority to protect wild salmon and are calling on DAFM to reconsider siting these farms at sea. In the interim it is of the utmost importance that the maximum number of escapees are captured to reduce risks to local wild salmon populations. We encourage anglers to report and remove farmed salmon if caught and we strongly suggest that Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Marine Institute should facilitate a program of removal by all available means.
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Fish Counter Report 2023- Significant decline noted in grilse and late summer salmon
There would appear to be a significant downturn in 1SW salmon in 2023. This is very much in line with angling and commercial catches in 2023 and is in line with majority of countries in NE Atlantic which saw a substantial decline across all regions. The indicators would suggest that this year has seen a significant upturn on last years grilse run but spring salmon in 2024 is suggestive of poor survival of the same smolt cohort which supplied last years grilse. As this downturn is widespread it suggests a large downturn of conditions at sea. The report can be read here: IFI Fish Counter 2023
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