asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will comment on the activities of the Central Fisheries Board in relation to the control of pike levels; if he will indicate the type effect where such reducing activity has taken place; and if he considers it appropriate to continue trout stocking while pike numbers remain at such high levels.
Written Answers. - Pike Control Programme.
579.
Most trout fisheries in the country have a pike population. The fisheries boards operate on-going pike control programmes in these fisheries and such programmes have been implemented in all the principal trout fisheries including the midland and western lakes.
The types of gear used in pike control are gill nets, long lines, wire traps and trawl nets.
I understand that the control programmes have been reasonably successful in reducing pike stocks and improving trout fishing. It is not the practice to put trout into pike infested waters. In lakes where the trout fishery is being developed, restocking with trout is combined with a pike reduction programme.