Yahoo News 22 Nov 07;
Northern Ireland's only salmon farm was completely wiped out by a freak jellyfish attack, the owners said Wednesday.
More than 100,000 fish worth more than one million pounds (2.1 million dollars, 1.4 million euros) were killed in the invasion at Glenarm Bay and Red Bay, on the County Antrim north-east coast.
"We are still assessing the full extent, but it's a disaster," said John Russell, managing director of Northern Salmon Co. Ltd.
"In 30 years, I've never seen anything like it. It was unprecedented, absolutely amazing. The sea was red with these jellyfish and there was nothing we could do about it, absolutely nothing.
"I have never experienced such concentrations of jellyfish spread over such a wide area. The vastness was unbelievable."
The seven-hour attack over Tuesday and Wednesday last week saw the jellyfish covering a sea area of up to 10 square miles (26 square kilometres) and 35 feet (11 metres) deep.
"It's touch and go if we can survive this," added Russell whose firm supplies salmon worldwide. "It's a disaster."
No help for jellyfish attack farm
BBC News 22 Nov 07;
No government money is available yet to keep afloat a salmon farm wiped out in a freak jellyfish attack.
Billions of small jellyfish swamped Northern Salmon's cages about a mile off the County Antrim coast.
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said budgets were fixed, but she would consult further with colleagues.
"It is our only organic salmon fishery. Unfortunately our poultry industry and our red meat industry are all under pressure and in need of assistance."
The mauve stinger jellyfish covered an area of up to 10 square miles and a depth of 35 feet. Rescuers tried to reach the cages but the density of fish made it impossible.
The company has some high-profile clients, with Irish chef Richard Corrigan serving Glenarm salmon to the Queen on her 80th birthday last year as part of the BBC's Great British Menu programme.
Rough sea conditions off Glenarm Bay and Cushendun have hampered efforts by divers using suction pumps to collect the dead salmon out for transporting to a rendering plant in County Meath.
Managing director John Russell said the future of the company and its 12 employees remained uncertain but it was still "early days".
"We don't intend to take decisions too quickly, but remain focused in terms of keeping everybody in work," he said.
Local MP Sammy Wilson said: "Just as farmers receive assistance when their stock has been wiped out by avian flu, mad cow disease or foot-and-mouth, we are seeking ways of getting assistance for the company at this present time.
"This, I am sure, will only be a short-term problem, as the product is established and there is a market for it, but in the meantime we must ensure that the company gets the assistance necessary for it to recover and that jobs are protected."
