Salmon Escape in Northern Ireland: Potential Impact on Wild Salmon Population
Up to 5,000 farmed salmon may have escaped from a farming site in Glenarm, County Antrim, as reported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera). The escape was attributed to a “rip in the net of a farmed salmon cage,” which was discovered on Sunday evening.
Concerns from Local Angling Group
Local angling communities are expressing concern over the potential impact of this escape on the wild salmon population. The Ulster Angling Federation, through its chairman Gary Houston, emphasized the risks, stating that the escaped salmon could reproduce with the wild population. This could weaken the genetic fitness of wild salmon, leading to “a lower survival rate for the offspring.”
Houston also highlighted that Northern Ireland’s salmon populations are already “under severe threat of extinction” due to factors such as farm escapes, pollution, and poor in-river and sea survival.
Health Risks Associated with Farmed Salmon
One of the primary concerns surrounding the escaped salmon is the potential health risks they pose. Farmed salmon are typically treated with antibiotics and anti-sea lice chemicals during their growth. Normally, these substances are withdrawn before the fish are slaughtered to ensure they are safe for consumption. However, according to Houston, the escaped fish may not have undergone this withdrawal period, which raises questions about whether they are fit to eat.
Daera’s Response to the Incident
A Daera spokesperson confirmed that its staff are “currently assessing the situation” and determining the necessary actions to address the issue. The salmon farming business responsible for the escape has repaired the damaged cage, and divers are currently inspecting and servicing the remaining cages at both the Glenarm and Red Bay sites.
Call for Action: Recapturing the Escaped Salmon
In an interview on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program, Gary Houston called on Daera to take immediate steps to recapture the escaped fish. He suggested that many of the escaped salmon are likely still near the salmon nets, making it “not that difficult” for them to be caught and returned to the farm.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between farmed and wild fish populations, with potential long-term consequences for Northern Ireland’s ecosystem and public health.