The regulatory system for aquaculture in the Republic of Ireland

The control of aquaculture in the Republic of Ireland falls under a number of different legislative codes and, consequently, responsibility for the regulation of the industry is divided between a number of ministers and state agencies. The principal responsibility lies with the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The 1997 Fisheries Act was framed to replace an outdated regulatory system with one which would enjoy the confidence of a rapidly expanding industry and of all other relevant interests, in particular by establishing an independent authority for the determination of aquaculture licence appeals. Powers in relation to the authorisation and control of medicines are shared between the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Health, while local authorities are responsible for planning permission and discharge licences in respect of land-based facilities. (C) 2002 Society of Chemical Industry.