asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the steps he proposes to take to conserve coarse fish, especially pike and eel in the Belturbet-Erne catchment area of County Cavan.
Written Answers. - Coarse Fish Conservation.
33.
A review of the coarse fishing by-laws has been carried out by my Department in consultation with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards and arising therefrom certain proposals for the conservation of coarse fish, including pike, in all the fisheries regions are at present under consideration. I hope to take a decision on these proposals in the very near future. There is no evidence to indicate that the current level of fishing for eels in the Belturbet-Erne catchment area of County Cavan poses any threat to eel stocks. In general, research carried out by my Department indicates that eel stocks are not being over exploited. The position will be kept under review.
Question No. 34 re-entered for oral reply.