asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will clarify the position concerning the issue of salmon licences in the Erne Estuary; why the number of licences has been reduced from 16 to four and the names of these four licencees.
Written Answers. - Salmon Licences.
293.
The Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1977 prescribes the maximum number of each type of salmon net fishing licence which may be issued each year for each fishery district. In that regard the order prescribes that up to 16 draft net (special tidal waters) licences may be issued by the Ballyshannon Board of Conservators in respect of fishing in the Erne Estuary and that number has not been altered. However, because of the critical state of the salmon stocks of the Erne system the arrangements as regards the duration of the fishing season are at present under examination in my Department in consultation with the fishermen concerned.