The Fish Health Unit (FHU) of the Marine Institute monitors the health of all stocks of farmed fish and shellfish within the country. In relation to imports, certification which has been provided by another member State or by a Third Country is examined by the FHU before the animals enter the country, to ensure compliance with national and EU legislation. We also provide certification of fish and shellfish being exported for further farming.
According to EU Directive 2006/88/EC, member states must ensure that a risk-based animal health surveillance scheme is applied to all farms and mollusc farming areas.
The objective of the scheme is to detect (a) increased mortality and (b) the presence of the diseases listed in Part II of Annex IV of the Directive. The frequency of surveillance visits will be determined by the health categorisation of the individual installation or mollusc farming area.
Movements of finfish and shellfish are subject to controls based on the health status of the site of origin and the destination. In relation to listed diseases, movements of susceptible or vector species are only permitted to areas of equal or lower health status. Movements of animals which may be infected with non-listed diseases are a matter for the supplier of the fish, the buyer and their respective veterinary advisors. All animals must however, be clinically healthy at the time of movement.
With the exception of animals being harvested for direct human consumption, all movements of finfish and shellfish must be notified to the Marine Institute at least three days prior to movement. This applies to movements within the country and imports for further on-growing. Five days notice must be given to the Marine Institute prior to exporting animals for further farming or re-stocking.
All animals must be clinically healthy at the time of movement with no unresolved increased mortality at the site of origin. Animal health certification is required and will be provided by the FHU for all exports destined for a disease free member state, zone or compartment. In addition, a movement permit is required for movements of molluscs out of areas which are infected with Bonamia ostreae, where these animals are to be re-layed or further processed.
Application forms for Shellfish:
Application form to import shellfish
Application to Export Shellfish
Application to Move Shellfish Within Ireland
Application Form for the Movement of Wild Mussels into Aquaculture Sites 2013
Application forms for Finfish:
Application form to import finfish
Application form to Export Finfish
Application form to move finfish within Ireland
Email your application to notification@marine.ie or fax to 091 387 201