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Welcome to the Fish Health Unit Website

This website has been developed to provide a structured and user-friendly single point source of information relating to the current Fish Health Regulations applicable in Ireland. Information regarding the Aquaculture Operator's legal obligations and the administration of these Regulations is also provided along with information on pertinent Fish Health related issues.

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Fish Health

Authorisation

If you operate an aquaculture production business, or a commercial aquarium, you must obtain Fish Health Authorisation from the Marine Institute.

Apply for Fish Health Authorisation

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Finfish/Shellfish

Movement Application

All movements of aquaculture animals for ongrowing must be notified to the Marine Institute in advance for movements within Ireland and for imports/exports.

Submit a Movement Application

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Ornamental

Import Application

If you intend to import ornamental aquatic animals, you must first register & notify us at least 24 hours prior to the consignment leaving the country of origin.

Submit an Import Application

Important Notices

Fish Health Report of Activities Undertaken in 2020

The Fish Health Unit report of activities undertaken in 2020 has been published. This report summarises the activities undertaken by the Fish Health Unit of the Marine Institute in 2020 and can be accessed HERE.

New EU Animal Health Law – from April 21st 2021

The new EU Animal Health Regulation 2016/429 applies from April 21st 2021. The Regulation lays down rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases which are transmissible to animals or humans.

BREXIT NOTICE: Certification of Fish and Shellfish from January 1st 2021

Animal Health Certification requirements for Fish/Shellfish moving between Ireland and Great Britain, and to the EU through the UK Landbridge.

UK Landbridge: Moving live fish/shellfish to mainland Europe via Great Britain

Animal Health requirements for movements of live fish/shellfish to continental Europe through the UK Landbridge for on-growing, farming, depuration or relaying.

Exporting to Great Britain

Animal health requirements for exports to Great Britain.

Update on Crayfish Plague in Ireland

Crayfish Plague is recognised as a very significant threat to the survival of the globally threatened white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, which is the only crayfish species native to Ireland. Crayfish plague is a highly infectious lethal disease caused by a fungal-like organism, Aphanomyces astaci, which infects white-clawed crayfish and can cause up to 100% mortality. The latest information on the presence of crayfish plague in Ireland can be found here.

FAQs

Ornamental Imports - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about importing ornamental aquatic species.

Quality

The Fish Health Unit is committed to quality and efficiency in the service we provide in implementing Fish Health Legislation while holding ISO 9001 Certification. Our Quality Policy Statement can be viewed here.

Feedback

We aim to continually improve any areas of this service where possible and we welcome your feedback.  You can provide your feedback by completing our Customer Feedback Questionnaire (or by emailing your specific feedback to notification@marine.ie). 

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