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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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Deenish Island – Waterville Sea Trout Collapse Continues
The prospect of the Salmon Farm at Deenish Island being restocked with over 400,000 smolts in the coming weeks should fill anglers and conservationists with dismay and anger. The farm was ordered to close by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in April 2019 for gross over harvesting at the site. The MOWI owned farm which is less than nine kilometers from Lough Currane has always been a strong source of controversy regarding its effect on sea trout and salmon stocks. Marine Institute Hydro Study - Extent of particle distribution from Deenish Island Site - This is strongly linked to distribution of sea lice larvae A Tragedy for Watervilles Salmon and Sea Trout The appeal mechanism being relied upon by MOWI included a judicial review in the High Court which was adjourned to allow the appeal go to the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board. This board has had over three years to make a determination but has failed to do so and will not do so before September 2023. This is a disgraceful scenario which effectively allows the farm to continue operations pending a determination of their appeal. The Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board in this case appear to be acting in the interests of MOWI with little regard for the wild salmon and sea trout resource in Waterville. It is interesting to note that there is now no wild fish representatives on this board and we strongly suggest that the board has little interest in wild salmonids and has demonstrated this by their abject failure to reach a timely determination. Meanwhile sea trout stocks are now extremely poor and the prospect of recovery is being eroded with each passing year. The upcoming stocking at the site will effectively allow the continuation of this tragic outrage for a further two years. It is time that the independence of this board is strongly questioned. Being financed and effectively controlling its composition, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has also serious questions to answer. We will be appending this note to our EU Complaint to demonstrate the serious malpractice evident in the workings of ALAB and DAFM. We are asking our supporters to send this link to their local representatives and ask their assistance in bringing this situation to a positive conclusion which favours the vastly important sea trout and salmon resource in Waterville County Kerry. Further Information available in following links: Deenish Island – Salmon Watch Ireland Submission – ALAB Deenish Island – Contradictory and inaccurate records reveal a shocking story Update on Deenish Island Salmon Farm Salmon Farming:Complaint to the Commission of the European Communities about the Government of Ireland’s failure to comply with Community law.
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Salmon Hero Award 2022 – Coomhola Salmon Trust
Mark Boyden receiving the Salmon Hero 2022 Award from John Murphy, Chair Salmon Watch Ireland The very mention of Atlantic salmon in a primary school in Ireland garners the immediate response "Streamscapes" which is the first port of call for educators all over Ireland in matters relating to our rivers and freshwater resources. The excitement generated by the original "Streamscapes" publication among young students is testimony to how the natural world invigorates and excites and this brainchild of the Coomhola Salmon Trust was and still is a beacon of how much this resource was ahead of its time and indeed is still as relevant today. Not confined to Atlantic salmon, Mark Boyden and his team have built an unprecedented educational resource to actively educate school students, community groups and the general public on all matters relating to water quality and the general well being of our freshwater resources. In existence since 1989, the Coomhola Salmon Trust has over the years instilled a life long impact on all its students and community groups in regard to nurturing a respect for Ireland's aquatic and biodiversity heritage. Coomhola Salmon Trust certainly encompasses what all groups interested in the natural environment should aspire to. ENGAGE -ENLIGHTEN - EMPOWER Salmon Watch Ireland is delighted to award the "Salmon Hero Award" to the Coomhola Salmon Trust for 2022 in recognition of their inspirational and lifelong devotion to protecting Ireland's aquatic and biodiversity resources. We cannot recommend more highly the resources and practical innovation that the Trust has demonstrated over the last three decades and would strongly suggest that all parties interested in preserving Ireland's natural resources learn more about this truly unique project. Coomhola Salmon Trust has a myriad of educational publications and has always been at the forefront of protecting Ireland's nature and biodiversity. Coomhola has also a freshwater aquarium built from the unique landscape of the Coomhola catchment which is integrated with the Coomhola River. All the resources can be accessed at Streamscapes Resources and Publications A Selection of Publications from Coomhola Salmon Trust To access more about streamscapes please click on following link: Streamscapes Website
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Recent Scientific and Telemetry Studies concerning Atlantic Salmon
Salmon Watch Ireland endeavors to keep our support base informed of scientific studies concerning ecological changes in both freshwater and in the marine phase of the Atlantic salmon life cycle. To this end we are initiating a periodical posting which examines such diverse topics as predation, marine ecosystem change , impacts of salmon aquaculture on wild salmonids and freshwater changes resulting from a changing climate. This posting examines the changing marine environment and how these changes may impact on salmon survival at sea. There is also some interesting video content which examines telemetry and highlights the work carried out by the salmon research station on the River Bush. Distribution shifts of marine species The first study does not specifically relate to Atlantic salmon but does demonstrate that with a warming ocean certain movements of phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish are occurring with an anticipated negative effect on Atlantic salmon from Ireland and UK in particular. We are currently nearing the southern limit of Atlantic salmon distribution with stocks severely depleted further south. Increases in regional sea temperatures have triggered a major northwards expansion of warmer water plankton and a northwards retreat of colder water plankton in the North-east Atlantic. This northerly movement has amounted to about 10 ° latitude (1 100 km) over the past 40 years, and it seems to have accelerated since 2000. Sub-tropical species are occurring with increasing frequency in Europe’s seas, and sub-Arctic species are receding northwards. Wild fish stocks are responding to changing temperatures and food supply by changing their distribution. This can have impacts on those local communities that depend on those fish stocks. Further changes in the distribution of marine species, including fish stocks, are expected with the projected climate change, but quantitative projections of these distribution changes are not widely available. Distribution shifts of marine species — European Environment Agency (europa.eu) Atlantic salmon in a rapidly changing environment—Facing the challenges of reduced marine survival and climate change. This study concerns management actions that are required to address decreasing survival indices for wild stocks Atlantic salmon populations have declined in recent decades. Many of the threats to the species during its freshwater and coastal residency periods are known, and management approaches are available to mitigate them. The global scale of climate change and altered ocean ecosystems make these threats more difficult to address. Managers need to be aware that promoting strong, healthy, and resilient wild populations migrating from rivers is the optimal approach currently to reduce the impacts of changing ecosystems and low marine survival. We argue that a fundamental strategy should be to ensure that the highest number of wild smolts in the best condition leave from rivers and coastal areas to the ocean. There is great scope for water quality, river regulation, migration barriers, and physical river habitat improvements. Maintenance of genetic integrity and diversity of wild populations by eliminating interbreeding with escaped farmed salmon, eliminating poorly planned stocking, and reducing impacts that reduce population sizes to dangerously low levels will support the ability of Atlantic salmon to adapt to changing environments. Reducing the impacts from aquaculture and other human activities in coastal areas can greatly increase marine survival in affected areas. As most of the threats to wild salmon are the result of human activities, a focus on human dimensions and improved communication, from scientific and management perspectives, needs to be increasingly emphasized. When political and social will are coupled with adequate resources, managers often have the tools to mitigate many of the threats to wild salmon. Atlantic salmon in a rapidly changing environment—Facing the challenges of reduced marine survival and climate change - Thorstad - 2021 - Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems - Wiley Online Library Impacts of a Changing Ecosystem on the Feeding and Feeding Conditions for Atlantic Salmon During the First Months at Sea The second study is very relevant to Ireland as there are strong indications that post 2007 contents of smolt stomachs off the west coast of Ireland were seriously impacted. This factor may have contributed to decreased marine survival which appears to have accelerated after 2007. It is important to understand that if post smolts do not gain adequate feeding on leaving our shores, they are more likely to be predated as size is very important in their first period at sea. There should also be alarm at present trawling activities may also be affecting near coastal ecosystems. West of Ireland and Scotland "The dominating prey were sand eel and fish from the cod family. The years with the lowest FR values were 2008 and 2009, which were the last 2 years with data sampling in the region. In contrast to previous years, gadoids and sandeel were in general absent from the diet these 2 years, even though the small proportion of unidentified fish larvae could belong to these groups." https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.824614/full ICES Report to North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation 2022 This report is a comprehensive overview of the status of Atlantic Salmon. There are some very relevant points raised concerning the impact of Pink Salmon. A long read but well worthwhile to understand the many challenges facing Atlantic salmon. Full Report: Working Group North Atlantic Salmon The following video illustrates a behind the scenes look at the River Bush research station in Northern Ireland which includes the use of telemetry to conduct their important research.
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A rather unique and interesting point of view – Regenerating our salmon and rivers by Nicholas Grubb.
This article encompasses many aspects which Salmon Watch Ireland agree with especially the management of riparian zones. It is an interesting submission which should help to garner an understanding of the many issues prevalent in Ireland regarding the ecosystem management of our river systems. It is interesting to note that management is almost non existent on all our river systems. While ownership of fishery rights are by and large fragmented there is an onus on all interested parties to work together to put in place a professional fishery and ecosystem management system especially on our rivers which produce the majority of smolts. We would also suggest that barriers should be improved to allow easier migration but also agree that large deep water sections may be appropriate in certain rivers. A changing climate scenario is fast approaching and our rivers need sympathetic and ecosystem friendly approaches to improve or indeed protect salmonid productivity. This is a very thought provoking article and the author should be congratulated for his long time unique interest and activism in conservation matters. Dromana House - Lower Blackwater, County Waterford Read More
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Vincent Duigan – An Appreciation
The board and members of Salmon Watch Ireland wish to sympathise with the family and friends of Vincent Duigan who died unexpectedly in January this year. It came as a great shock to learn of his untimely death. Our association with Vincent was principally concerned with the plight of wild Atlantic salmon and his knowledge and enthusiasm was hugely beneficial to Salmon Watch in our endeavours to protect wild salmon. He was also a valued friend. For many years Vincent was involved with the Slaney River Trust, the very first such organisation in Ireland. With his engineering background, he was particularly interested in the operations of turbines and their damage to the migrating salmon and was at the forefront in trying to rehabilitate that great river. Vincent was instrumental in setting up the original South East Salmon Federation in 2003. This quickly led to the formation of Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now in 2004. After the removal of drift net fishing at sea at the start of 2007, the organisation changed its name to Salmon Watch Ireland to be a voice for Atlantic salmon and Vincent had been a valuable board member all the way through. He fished all over Ireland but had a particular love of the Moy and his own beloved Slaney. He always spoke highly of all the great people he met along the waters of Ireland, and it is safe to say that his presence will be greatly missed by all his friends. The board and members of Salmon Watch will miss him greatly. Our sympathies to his sons Joe and Alan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis
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Judicial Review – Update
The Judicial Review against the decision by the Aquaculture Licence Appeal Board to award a licence for a salmon farm at Shot Head is progressing well. While we do not as yet have a date for hearing a number of important issues have been dealt with. On the 29th November a request was put forward by Bradan Teo Fanad trading as MOWI Ireland to move the case to the Commercial Court for hearing. This was subsequently allowed by the presiding judge. We await further hearings on 02 February 2022. Proceedings dealt with by the Commercial Court must have a commercial dimension and generally must have a value of not less than €1m. MOWI Ireland are effectively claiming that they are at a loss which has a value in excess of €1m and thus their application to enter the commercial court. We will update you on a regular basis post 02 Feb 2022.
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Salmon Farming:Complaint to the Commission of the European Communities about the Government of Ireland’s failure to comply with Community law.
Subject of Complaint: Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, Ireland, hereafter referred to as the ‘Act’. Salmon Watch Ireland has launched a Complaint to the Commission of European Communities. This complaint focuses on Sections of the Fisheries Act 1997 which permits the continuation of salmon farm licences which have expired. This is certainly a situation whereby the provisions of the Habitats Directive and Environmental Impact Assessment Directive are not being applied by the Irish state and as such are in contravention of both Directives. The issue of access to justice without prohibitive cost is also being not applied and should be properly transposed into the Fisheries Act. Application of S. 19 (4), of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, Ireland. (The impugned section of the act permits the indefinite operation of marine open cage salmon farms, with expired licenses, pending licence renewal and thereby avoiding the application of the provisions of the Habitats Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive). 2.Non-Transposition of Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 85/337/EEC 2011//92/EU. (The Act has not been amended to transpose Article 11 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive; 85/337/EEC – 2011//92/EU, i.e. Arhus Convention Rights to information, participation, and access to justice without prohibitive cost in environmental decision making). The full text of the complaint is available here Complaint Text
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Annual General Meeting Salmon Watch Ireland 28th March – Cancellation
The Annual General Meeting of Salmon Watch Ireland which was due to be held on Saturday 28th March in the Maldron Hotel,Portlaoise has been postponed until further notice. We will notify you of the revised date for the AGM in due course and will be guided by the advice on meetings/gatherings from Government in that regard. Secretary Salmon Watch Ireland 20 March 2020
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Deenish Island – High Court Case 28th January
A very significant High Court Case involving MOWI (Marine Harvest) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine takes place in Dublin commencing on the 28th January 2020. The case is being taken by MOWI against the Department to overturn the decision to discontinue the statutory entitlement of Silver King Seafoods Ltd. (a wholly owned Company of Comhlucht Iascaireachta Fanad Teoranta (MOWI Ireland)) to continue aquaculture operations under the provisions of Section 19(A)4 of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act Here under is a link to the submissions as presented to the Department and ALAB regarding our investigations into breaches of the licence. The information was harvested from the Department through Access to Environmental Information Legislation. https://salmonwatchireland.ie/…/deenish-island-salmon-watc…/ https://salmonwatchireland.ie/…/deenish-island-contradicto…/
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Salmon Watch Ireland
Company Registered Address
Jerpoint Hill, Thomastown
County Kilkenny,
mailto:info@salmonwatchireland.ie
Atlantic salmon have declined by 75% in the past number of decades. Help is needed to conserve stocks through a campaign to protect habitat and reduce exploitation. Atlantic salmon need your help.
Sea Trout have dramatically disappeared from our rivers and lakes since the advent of salmon farming. Salmon Watch Ireland is committed to fighting the scourge of open net farming at sea. These facilities are a reservoir for disease and parasites and cannot be allowed to continue.