Farm Staff and Modern Technology Ensured Irish Salmon Farms Withstood Unprecedented Storms

Following the series of unrelenting storms that battered the coast from Malin to Mizen at the turn of the new year, the Irish Salmon Growers’ Association says its members report that no significant damage was caused to any of the 15 marine salmon farming sites from Donegal to west Cork during the period.

ISGA Executive, Richie Flynn, said, “While unprecedented damage was caused to coastal infrastructure, salmon farms stood up extremely well to the constant storm challenge”.

Much of the credit for the security of the systems at sea must go to farm staff who worked throughout the holiday period. Mr Flynn said, “Farm companies, who have been denied any assistance from money available though legitimate EU grant schemes, have kept up with the latest technology and reinvested in their farms”.

“Minister Coveney must support the commitment and expertise of the aquaculture sector. This is an industry ideally suited to coastal communities, sustainable and successful in every respect and deserving of a better deal from government by way of equal treatment with competitors in other EU countries and a licencing system capable of delivering for a professional, modern food industry.”

Mr Flynn concluded, “Commercial Aquaculture grant schemes for the finfish and shellfish industry are essential in ensuring that SMEs can keep abreast of international technological developments, continually modernise and improve their safety and environmental management systems and guarantee a year round supply of healthy seafood for the home and domestic markets.”