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Assessing intensive aquaculture applications
Intensive fish farming is assessed under the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. We review applications and provide scientific reports and advice to DAFM.
Appropriate Assessment (AA)
An Appropriate Assessment is carried out when a project has the potential to affect a protected site. It considers:
- the species and habitats protected at the site
- the site’s conservation goals
- the potential impact of aquaculture activities
- the combined impact of multiple other activities
Bird studies
Ongoing monitoring and research on interactions between aquaculture activities and birds inform our advisory services.
Our studies have monitored overwintering bird use of Special Protection Areas over several years. This work helps identify trends and the effects of intertidal aquaculture practices.
Further information can be found here.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Intensive fish farming requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to inform licensing. It studies how a project could affect:
- water and environmental quality
- marine life
- the wider ecosystem
- socioeconomics and heritage
Licensing reports and supporting information
The simplified graphic shows how an intensive finfish application moves through departmental review and the licensing process.