The push to develop the aquaculture industry in the absence of real environmental safeguards is of concern to An Taisce. It could have negative impacts for other coastal users and the tourism industry. Many farms are located on protected habitats. There is a real risk of a depletion wild fish stocks, through disease and breeding.

The National Development Plan has earmarked 73 million euro for the development of the industry.

No carrying capacity study of the coast has been undertaken, which would facilitate the most sensitive location of aquaculture installations and prevent environmental degradation in the first instance. In addition, no social studies have been undertaken.

Environmental impact statements are not requested for shellfish operation, despite size, even when proposed for a protected site, such as an (Special Area of Conservation) SAC or (Special Protection Area for birds)SPA.

Negative consequences associated with aquaculture include:

• Eutrophication of water column - no waste water treatment - the marine environment is the sewer
• Detritus on sea bed affecting composition of biotic communities
• Use of anti-foulants, anti-parsitics, which are marine pollutants and accumulate in the ecosystem
• Sea-lice on salmonid farmed species can affect wild populations. This is spread due to factory farming situation, that the salmon or trout are subjected. There can be 50,000 fish in one cage.