HC Deb 08 June 1976 vol 912 c629W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will he make a statement about the progress of fish farming in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Dunn

In recent years the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture has been encouraging the development of the farming of oysters in the sea and rainbow trout in fresh water. A small oyster industry has been established around Strangford Lough; and growers may extend production in the Foyle Estuary and Dundrum Bay. Six of the nine oyster farms which have been established since 1973 are now selling their produce.

The 10 commercial rainbow trout farms produced 180 tons of rainbow trout in 1975. These farms purchase ova from the Northern Ireland Department of Agricluture's fish farm at Mouanagher, Co Londonderry, the establishment of which has encouraged the development of this new industry over the last four years.

The expansion of both sides of the fish farming industry in Northern Ireland is expected to continue and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture will continue to encourage farmers and potential farmers fully to exploit the available resources.