Marine Update: European Commission Warns Ireland about water quality levels

But of course, it took the shellfish industry to get the EC off its arse.


The Department of Marine and Natural Resources is facing large fines from the EU, if it doesn’t get it finger out – and has received a written warning from the European Commission, due to the inherent danger to the shellfish farming industry.
So while it’s a good thing that the government are being goaded into water quality adherence, it’s only for the good of industry and public health. Not a mention of the fact that dirty water is inherently bad thing, regardless of economics or human interaction.
The Department of Marine and Natural Resources is said to be working with local authorities on the matter, especially on the matter of waste water treatment…
Read more in The Irish Examiner »
Also in the last week:
Scare over farmed salmon safety »
Salmon farmed in Scotland is among the most tainted with cancer-causing chemicals, US scientists have warned
Greenpeace: Changing Minds in Iceland »
According to a new Gallup poll, 48 percent of the Icelandic public thinks the existence of groups like Greenpeace is “rather important to very important” — a marked shift from past antagonism against Greenpeace for its anti-whaling policies.
Ananova: oxic concerns over Free Willy burial »
Norwegian authorities are reviewing the burial of Free Willy star Keiko over fears the killer whale may be full of toxic substances.
Update 20th January
Marine Minister Dermot humourless has told the European Parliament?s fisheries committee that the development of environmentally friendly fishing methods will be his priority during Ireland?s presidency of the EU.
More »

daev
Chief Bottle Washer at Blather
Writer, photographer, environmental campaigner and "known troublemaker" Dave Walsh is the founder of Blather.net, described both as "possibly the most arrogant and depraved website to be found either side of the majestic Shannon River", and "the nicest website circulating in Ireland". Half Irishman, half-bicycle. He lives in southern Irish city of Barcelona.