Salmon farm industry hit by cash crisis

Date Published: 11-Dec-2008

THE salmon farming industry is again in deep trouble with some companies along the Connemara coastline starved for cash.

The latest crisis to hit salmon farming – once trumpeted as a possible saviour for coastal communities – arises from further deadly attacks of pancreas disease. Pancreas disease can kill thousands of thriving salmon in a short time. It does not harm humans but it has been the bane of the salmon farming business for years.

Recent attacks have decimated the farmed salmon stocks on the west coast. Some supplies of smolt were brought in from Canada, where pancreas disease is not prevalent. However the Canadian smolts did not take well to summer conditions on the Atlantic west coast of Ireland further worsening the problems.

Attempts are now being made to pull the industry through this cash crisis in the hope that it can regain its footing and continue to provide some employment. Salmon farming provides 130 jobs, both part time and full time in Connemara. There are also a number of related services job in the industry.

While the job numbers have decreased substantially (there were almost 180 jobs in Carna/Cill Chiaráin alone in 1990) salmon farming remains an important source of employment.

But it has been hit by environmental arguments and by the dreaded pancreas disease over the years.

However, a…

See also Herring quota cuts leave Ros a Mhil fishermen heading for rocks – Page 4 of this week’s Tribune