Delphi Lodge, a historic estate committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism, is calling for immediate action and stricter regulations on salmon farming following the recent escape of 38,000 farmed salmon from a MOWI-operated salmon cage in Killary Harbour. This incident, which occurred on August 11, highlights the urgent need for enhanced regulations to protect Ireland’s wild fish populations and the ecosystems they support.
In response to this event, Delphi Lodge is actively engaging with government departments, including Minister Charlie McConalogue and Taoiseach Simon Harris, and collaborating with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Irish Hotel Federation, Salmon Watch Ireland and GBASC to promote the WildFish "Off the Table" campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of open cage salmon farming and advocates for more sustainable alternatives.
The escape of such a large number of farmed salmon poses a significant threat to the delicate ecosystems of rivers flowing into Killary Harbour, including the Erriff and Delphi rivers, as well as other nearby rivers like Kylemore, Clifden, Culfin, and Ballynahinch. The introduction of farmed salmon into these waters could lead to devastating consequences, such as the spread of disease, increased competition with wild fish for resources, and potential genetic dilution of wild salmon stocks.
"While I am not opposed to salmon farming and recognize its vital role in the food supply chain and rural employment, it is crucial that the practices and regulations governing these farms prioritize the protection of our natural ecosystems," said Philip Counihan, CEO at Delphi Lodge. "The recent escape underscores the need for stricter regulations to safeguard our wild salmon, sea trout, and other species that are critical to both our environment and our tourism industry."
Delphi Lodge supports the call for a reassessment of salmon farming practices and licensing conditions in Ireland. Specifically, the lodge advocates for the mandatory use of containment cages or, preferably, the relocation of salmon farming operations to onshore, land-based facilities. These measures would significantly reduce the risk of fish escapes and the transmission of diseases, ultimately protecting wild fish populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.
In British Columbia, Canada, new regulations mandate that all salmon farms transition to containment facilities by 2029 in response to similar environmental concerns. Delphi Lodge believes that Ireland should follow suit and implement similar regulations to prevent further ecological damage.
To further this cause, Delphi Lodge is now a member and collaborating with WildFish, an organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of wild fish populations,through their "Off the Table" campaign,
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the environmentally destructive nature of the salmon farming industry and is calling on the hospitality sector to take farmed salmon off its menus. https://offthetable.org.uk/ https://wildfish.org/
This initiative aims to reduce the demand for farmed salmon by encouraging consumers, restaurants, and hotels to choose sustainable alternatives. By decreasing the demand for farmed salmon, the campaign seeks to drive the industry towards safer, more sustainable practices, such as transitioning from open cages to containment cages or land-based facilities.
"We believe that the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Irish Hotel Federation are a key stakeholder in the food and hospitality sector, has an important role to play in advocating for sustainable practices that protect our natural resources," Philip Counihan added. "We respectfully ask the RAI and IHF to encourage its members—restaurants and hotels across the country—to join the WildFish and Off the Table campaign. This collective action could be a game-changer in protecting our wild fish populations and ensuring the long-term health of Irelands ecosystems."
Biodiversity
Delphi Lodge has long been committed to preserving the biodiversity of Ireland’s rivers, which are essential to the country’s international fishing tourism industry. This industry attracts anglers from around the world to Ireland’s pristine waters and is a significant contributor to the local economy. Any threat to wild fish populations could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the environment but also for the livelihoods of those who depend on this industry.
"In light of the recent escape, we urge the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and to consider stronger regulations to prevent future occurrences," Philip Counihan said. "If it is found that the farm operator did not adhere to necessary protocols, we support the revocation of their license. This is a pivotal moment for our government to make the right decision on salmon farming, and I am confident that thousands within the fishing community across the nation will support this cause."
As Delphi Lodge continues to champion the protection of wild fish populations and the preservation of Ireland’s natural ecosystems, the lodge remains committed to working with all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and environmental organizations, to achieve these goals.
We look forward to collaborating with the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Irish Hotel Federation, Salmon Watch Ireland, GBASC and other partners to drive meaningful change in the salmon farming industry," Philip Counihan concluded. "Together, we can ensure that Ireland’s rivers and wild fish populations are protected for future generations."
Delphi Lodge, situated in the picturesque Delphi Valley in Connemara, is a historic country house and fishing lodge known for its commitment to luxury, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. The lodge attracts visitors from around the world, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Ireland while promoting the preservation of its ecosystems.
WildFish is an organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of wild fish populations. Through campaigns like "Off the Table," WildFish aims to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of industrial-scale aquaculture and promote healthier, more sustainable alternatives for both people and the planet.
