Mussel dredging fears for Lough Swilly 23.07.08

COASTWATCH has called for an immediate halt to mussel dredging in Lough Swilly due to fears that some of the last native oyster beds remaining in Europe will be wiped out. The organisation has called for the transfer of mussel seed from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle to stop.
Coastwatch co-ordinator and marine biologist Karin Dubsky said the organisation is seeking a review of a decision to allow a 150-foot mussel dredger take seed from the Swilly to the Foyle. The transfer operation began in early July. Lough Foyle is infected by the shellfish disease bonamia and fishermen fear that the dredger's
movement between the two loughs will transmit the disease to Lough Swilly. "No ecological impact assessment has been produced. Now, this week, we had a repeat there with more damage," said Ms Dubsky. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said Lough Swilly Shellfish Growers' Co-Op Society Ltd held an aquaculture licence to cultivate oysters and mussels in areas of Lough Swilly. "As such, the co-op is entitled to dredge for mussels and oysters within the area licensed to it," the department told the Irish Times. It said it had received complaints about the dredging activity, which it was currently examining. Local oyster fisherman Stephen Hardy said up to 20 small fishermen were dependent on the oyster fishery and could be affected by the dredging.

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