asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will indicate the present position regarding fish hatcheries in this country; and the plans his Department have to expand hatcheries.
Written Answers. - Fish Hatcheries.
431.
Cavan-Monaghan): There are nine salmon hatcheries and two brown trout hatcheries operated by State agencies in the country. Juvenile fish are reared at these hatcheries for release into waters requiring re-stocking.
The salmon hatcheries have a total annual capacity of over 5 million ova and the brown trout hatcheries can produce over 3 million ova each year. A large proportion of this production is reared to a more advanced stage before release into our rivers and lakes. The Electricity Supply Board plan to expand its salmon rearing facilities in coming years so as to produce an additional one-and-a-half million smolts a year for re-stocking.
My Department are aware of the value of fish hatcheries for re-stocking purposes and are keeping the question of expansion of such facilities under review.