asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry in the light of the difficulties being experienced by salmon fishermen operating within the current regulations, if he will consider modifying and up-dating the legislation governing salmon fishing.
Written Answers. - Salmon Fishing Regulations.
579.
The regulations governing salmon fishing are kept under constant review and such steps as are considered necessary are taken in line with the policy of conserving salmon stocks for the future.
The decline in salmon stocks is a matter of major concern. The catch returns for 1984 showed a decrease of 45 per cent approximately on the 1983 figure. In view of this there can be no relaxation in the conservation measures at present in operation and indeed more stringent measures may well be necessary in order to preserve stocks.