Conference on freshwater farming
That’s the view of IFA Aquaculture, which is organising the first all-island national conference for these fish producers at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on September 30.
It recalled that the first ever fish farms in Ireland were specially created trout ponds used by castles and monasteries in the middle ages as handy fresh food larders.
Using the latest technology to conserve and purify freshwater from wells, rivers, ponds and lakes, it said modern fish farmers are producing quality trout, young salmon, arctic charr, perch and pike.
IFA Aquaculture development officer Joe McElwee said Ireland’s climate and geography provides an abundant supply of freshwater for this industry.
New re-circulation technology has reduced the need for a constant supply of water to a tiny fraction of what once was needed.
Advances in organic filtration systems ensure that any outflow from freshwater farms is cleaner than when it went in, he said.
Mr McElwee said the aim of the one-day conference is to bring together producers of traditional species like trout and salmon with new species producers in charr, perch and pike.
It will also involve state agencies involved in the regulation, monitoring and development of this important resource within the whole island of Ireland.
“Ireland is perfectly situated to take advantage of our freshwater resource, technology and skills to create more farms, jobs and exports using traditional and new fish species,” he said.
International experts in the field of Freshwater Aquaculture will be in attendance, demonstrating the importance of this industry.
The conference is being sponsored by Trouw Ireland, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Aller Aqua Denmark.
