Oyster farmers gather in Galway

The meeting was called primarily to review the preliminary results of this study, which was carried out by the Marine Institute’s Fish Health Unit with BIM. It is trying and find practical solutions to the problem to avoid similar mortalities later this year.

French producers who have trade and production interests in Ireland were also in attendance to give information of similar experiences in France. 

The 2009 mortalities have led the European Commission to produce a new regulation aimed at protecting unaffected areas by way of a surveillance programme and listed control areas, as well as potential restrictions on trade in live oysters. The regulation is due to be implemented later in March and growers heard how the Marine Institute intends to operate the new law in Ireland, which lasts until the end of December. 

IFA Aquaculture Executive Secretary, Richie Flynn, who opened the meeting, said, “Oyster production is an integral part of the Irish seafood business and generates €15 million in trade every year. Over 100 oyster farms around the coast produce around 8,000 tonnes per annum. The health and trade issues outlined today are key to the survival and development of the sector and IFA will work closely with the Marine Institute and BIM to ensure the future sustainability of oyster production in Ireland.”