Fish Health Regulations

Introduction to Fish Health Regulations

Ireland's finfish and shellfish farms, rivers and lakes remain free of many diseases that occur in other countries.  European fish health regulations aim to safeguard our fish and shellfish from disease. 

The Marine Institute is responsible for the implementation of Council Directive 2006/88/EC in Ireland which deals with the health of aquaculture animals and the prevention and control of certain aquatic diseases. The Directive was transposed into Irish Law by the European Communities (Health of Aquaculture Animals and Products) Regulations 2008 (SI No. 261 of 2008), European Communities (Health of Aquaculture Animals and Products (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 398 of 2010) and 2011 (S.I. No. 430 of 2011). The regulations introduce measures that reflect the significant growth and development in the aquaculture industry in Ireland over the past 15 years.

Specific regulations are in place relating to Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) to prevent the introduction of ostreid herpesvirus 1 μνar (OsHV-1 μνar) into certain areas of Ireland and the United Kingdom. 

Key Features

• All aquaculture production businesses must obtain fish health authorisation from the Marine Institute.  
• A public register of authorised finfish, mollusc and crustacean aquaculture production business has been created.
• New requirements apply when transporting aquaculture animals and a register of specialist transporters of aquaculture animals has been published.
• Risk-based fish health surveillance  programme is carried out by the Marine Institute. 
• Importers of ornamental or pet fish must register with the Marine Institute and provide advance notice of any imports

Who should apply for Fish Health Authorisation?

• Finfish and shellfish farmers 
• Shellfish purification and dispatch centres
• Put-and-take fishery owners/managers
• Commercial aquaria
• Certain aquaculture processing businesses, ornamental and experimental facilities

What should you do to comply with fish health regulations?

If you are running any of the businesses mentioned above you should:

• Apply to the Marine Institute for Fish Health Authorisation - send your Finfish-PutTake FHA Application Form or Shellfish FHA Application Form  along with your fish health managment plan to the Marine Institute.
• Biosecurity - put in place good hygiene practices to protect your stock from disease
• Participate in a risk-based fish/shellfish health surveillance scheme
• Record all movements of fish/shellfish on and off your site(s) and any mortalities that occur.
• Record the results of the fish health surveillance scheme. 
• Notify the Marine Institute if you are moving fish or shellfish for ongrowing -  give three days notice if moving fish/shellfish within Ireland or five days ahead of exporting/importing fish for ongrowing. 
• Notify the Marine Institute of any unexplained increase in mortalities or if you suspect a listed disease on your site -  email notification@marine.ie or fax 091 387201

For more information, please contact Ayesha Power or Felicity Donnelly on 091 387 200 or email fishhealth@marine.ie.

Play your part - protect Ireland's fish health status.