The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they propose to take to protect the wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout from sea lice predation on the fisheries of the West coast of Scotland. [HL2701]
§ Lord SewelSea lice are natural predators on Atlantic salmon and sea trout and affect both wild and farmed species. The farmed industry is particularly conscious of the economic implications of sea lice damage and, with government encouragement, has begun to implement a new treatment strategy. New medications are currently94WA going through the various licensing procedures. My department's Fisheries Research services are providing toxological information as part of that process and they are also carrying out research into the possible development of a vaccine.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will publish the findings of the Pitlochry Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory, the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen and St. Andrews University, on sea lice predation hosted by commercial salmon farming operations on the runs of wild salmon and sea trout. [HL2702]
§ Lord SewelAccounts of the work of my department's laboratories in this area are given in the Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory's Annual Review for 1994–95 and its Biennial Review for 1995–97. I am arranging for copies of these documents to be placed in the Library. The work of St. Andrews University is ongoing and, I understand, is not scheduled to be completed until late 1999.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that Scottish Natural Heritage takes full responsibility for protecting the wild Atlantic salmon. [HL2703]
§ Lord SewelUnder Section 16 of the Salmon Act 1986, District Salmon Fishery Boards have the duty to protect and improve salmon fisheries in their areas. However, the Atlantic salmon is named as a species of community interest in Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation (SACs). Her Majesty's Government have received advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on which rivers should be consulted on as possible SACs for the Atlantic salmon. Consultations will be commencing shortly.
The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they will take either against the operators of commercial salmon farms, or with their co-operation, to prevent a further decline in stocks of wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout caused by sea lice. [HL2704]
§ Lord SewelDeclines in stocks of wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout have been in evidence for a number of years—not simply off the west coast of Scotland but throughout Great Britain and indeed the whole of the north Atlantic.
Nevertheless the Government are fully aware of the concern surrounding the health of sea trout stocks off north west Scotland, which it shares, and of the view that sea lice could be a contributory factor.
The Government have welcomed the sea lice strategy being adopted by the farmed salmon industry to concentrate treatment when lice are at their most vulnerable. The development of suitable treatments and their licensing continues to attract high priority.
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The Earl of Dundonaldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether and, if so, how they will compensate shellfish farmer(s) for the restriction on the movement of farmed oysters under the notices issued by the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen on 19 June (ref D 11/2G/1). [HL2705]
§ Lord SewelThe movement restrictions referred to have been imposed as a consequence of infectious salmon anaemia being suspected or confirmed in the same water catchment. Oysters and other shellfish are considered to be potential vectors and in the circumstances their movement could contribute to a further spread of the disease. Compensation is not currently payable but the matter is being reviewed.