"We don't know." That's the latest word from the Marine Institute of Ireland on why hundreds of thousands of farmed salmon died in their cages in Inver Bay, County Donegal, in July of this year.

When 50,000 salmon reared in cages in the same bay died in 2002 that was the same answer given to concerned citizens.

Will it be the same answer in 2004?

Or will the licensing authority at least order a moratorium on the operation of salmon farming in the bay until scientists come up with a fresh answer, one that makes sense?

Meantime a public inquiry is being sought by the Green Party which says people have been left to wonder how safe it is to eat farmed salmon.

A series of similar disasters has come to light wherever salmon farming is taking place. Fish have died in bays along the Pacific Coast of Canada, in North Atlantic fjords along the Norwegian coast, and in other waters.

Because the flesh of the farm bred salmon is an unhealthy looking colour, they are fed a carcinogenic to make it pinker and more appealing to shoppers.

Are the pink pills for pale salmon dangerous to humans?

According to some findings, consumers would have to eat a lot before experiencing any toxic effect.

"With a little bit, with a little bit, with a little bit of blooming luck you won't get sick."

That isn't good enough, for adults, for children, and for the salmon.

--30--