Aran salmon proposal - Report is challenged

The State agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) is an enthusiastic proponent of plans to build Europe’s largest salmon feed lot off the Aran Islands.

In arguing for the divisive project, BIM relies on a report the agency initiated and one that suggests that sea lice do not have a dramatic impact on wild salmon. This report contradicts the great majority of international findings and also contradicts the view of Inland Fisheries Ireland, a government body charged with protecting fisheries. Earlier this week, at a conference in Norway, four marine scientists described the report as “flawed” and leading to “incorrect” conclusions.

This challenge, and other issues, undermine the report to the degree that it may not be relevant to the debate. It also obliges Marine Minister Simon Coveney to review all the evidence before making a final decision on the project, including that which found sea lice are responsible for the death of up 40% of migrating salmon.