With reference to recent media coverage relating to Marine Institute research on sea lice, the Save Bantry Bay group concludes the statement was “misleading” and “deceptive”.
The statement claims the Journal of Fish Diseases apologised for publishing the critique of the work of Dr David Jackson, senior Marine Institute fisheries inspector, and that the critique was "downgraded".
When read more closely, the apology is for nothing more than an administrative error that meant Jackson’s response was not published alongside the critique. What is more, at no point does it suggest the critique was “downgraded” or that there are any errors in the critique, according to Save Bantry Bay.
Krkosek et al’s claim stated “three fundamental errors” in Jackson’s work. The Marine Institute’s statement goes on to claim that “a similar study carried out in Norway by Skilbrei et al (2013) which used the same methodology, was also peer reviewed, and reported similar findings to those of the Marine Institute”.
In fact, while Dr Jackson suggested sea lice had little, if any, impact on salmon conservation, the Norwegian study concluded the opposite, showing not just a mild but a moderate effect on salmon conservation.
At no point, either in the heavily criticised original article or the rebuttal to the criticism of his work, has Dr Jackson sought to offer insights into the true impact of sea lice from salmon farms on wild salmon populations.
The institute’s statement “is supporting research papers produced by Dr Jackson which contradict the vast cohort of science available on the subject, yet backs a government policy to expand salmon farming”, said Save Bantry Bay secretary Alec O’Donovan.
“It seems that in a bid to restore their reputation, the Marine Institute is exaggerating this apology and suggesting other studies back theirs when they do not,” added Save Bantry Bay chairman Kieran O’Shea.
For further details, contact Alec O’Donovan on 087-794 9227 or Kieran O’Shea on 086-128 0303.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney has announced details of a €23 million package for the repair of public-owned piers, harbours and slipways damaged during the winter storms and for investment in the ongoing development of Ireland’s public harbour network. Mr Coveney said: “We are all too well aware of the damage wreaked on our harbour network during the winter storms. I am delighted to announce as part of an extended capital programme for 2014, this significant funding for the immediate repair of piers and harbours across the country .”
On sunny spring days, the Hawthorn fly flits along the hedgerows and bushes, and with a good breeze can often end up on the water. Once there, it is rare for them to escape the attention of trout.
The Hawthorn is the first of the terrestrial insects to cause a worthwhile rise. The large females begin appearing early April and the hatch is generally over by mid-May. “It’s just a pity their lifespan does not last longer than a few weeks,” according to Jimmy Tyrrell. See irishflycraft@gmail.com or call 086-845 1257.
The annual Alannah’s Pike Competition will be held on April 18th (Good Friday) at a venue to be announced later. All proceeds are in aid of various charities including
the Hospice Foundation and Pieta House. Entry fee is €15 seniors; €10 juniors plus optional pool of €5. Contact Christy at 08 7- 242 7507 for further details.
The popular Sheelin Classic trout competition will be run on Saturday April 19th (Easter Bank Holiday Weekend) commencing at 11am with a 6pm finish. There is a strict 15” size limit and the individual with the heaviest fish wins. An impressive list of prizes includes a 19ft Sheelin boat as first prize. For further information contact Noel McLoughlin at 087-217 9460.
angling@irishtimes.com
