asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the plans he has to conserve stocks of fish, in particular salmon, in the inshore waterways and estuaries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Conservation.
7.
The Deputy has no reason for concern in this matter. The conservation of salmon and sea-trout in inshore waterways and estuaries is effected chiefly by the enforcement and provisions of the fishery statutes by the local boards of fishery conservators. The Inland Fisheries Commission are at present deliberating on all aspects of inland fisheries including conservation. The commission have issued to date three interim reports, two concerning the regulation of salmon net fishing and one about water pollution. Some of the commission's recommendations, for example, control of the issue of salmon net licences and the rationalisation of the salmon fishing season, have already been implemented. The desirability of implementing others of the recommendations is being considered. The commission's final report is awaited.
Would the Minister consider investigating the possible commercial use of pig slurry, which is a contributory factor? I understand nitrates and fluorides can be extracted?
That question has been considered.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any restrictive measures have been imposed by his Department on the catching of salmon in rivers during the last 12 months?
So far as the catching of salmon in inland waters is concerned the position is similar to that which has obtained all along. There were no restrictions imposed on drift net fishermen and it is not proposed to impose any restrictions on them.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the practice of using traps and other types of netting is much more detrimental to salmon stocks than drift net restrictions?
The type of fishing mentioned by the Deputy is illegal and it is a matter for the boards of conservators to endeavour, through their water keepers, to bring to justice anyone responsible for that type of fishing.
Will compensation be paid to the fishermen——
That is a separate question.
——who got loans and grants from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and from the IDA?
That does not arise on the question.
The Deputy will have to put down a question about that.