asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is satisfied that action taken by the Naval Service vessel off Donegal coast over the past two weeks is justified; if Naval Service patrols are covering all salmon fishing activities around our coast; if so, if they are acting in a similar manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Naval Service Patrols.
672.
I am satisfied that it is necessary to use the Naval Service as an aid to the civil power in the enforcement of statutory salmon conservation measures at sea and that the action taken by the Naval Service to that end is justified. In 1983 Naval patrols are covering all salmon fishing areas on a rota basis in so far as resources permit.
Salmon conservation measures are designed to safeguard the future of our badly depleted salmon stocks in the interests of Irish fishermen.