Pollution in Youghal and Blackwater estuary
Asked about pollution in the Youghal and Ardmore areas and the Blackwater estuary, the Minister described reported red tides as natural algal blooms with no known remedy, noting that impacts on fish can be reduced through countermeasures.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to serious pollution in the Youghal and Ardmore areas in County Waterford and in the estuary of the Blackwater River; and the steps, if any, being taken to rectify the matter.
Comment on this
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am aware of recent reports of the presence in areas off the south coast of marine algal blooms, commonly referred to as red tide. These concentrations of algae, which take place under certain conditions during the late summer months, are natural occurrences. There are no known remedial measures for combating these natural occurrences. The effect on fish can be minimised only by counter measures such as the diversion of fishing or the removal of farmed fish.
My Department have been engaged in diagnostic work on marine algal blooms in recent years and the scientific staff keep in close touch with other bodies here and abroad who are investigating the causes of these occurrences. The long term aim of these investigations is to develop an early warning system for fishermen.