asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that a series of trawlers were fishing illegally in Dingle Bay last week in violation of the law and that this is a regular occurrence; and if he will state the proposals, if any, he has in this regard.
Written Answers. - Illegal Fishing.
103.
I am well aware that illegal salmon fishing takes place at various points around our coast and the relevant regional fisheries boards are doing everything possible with the resources available to them to cope with the situation. In addition I have arranged for special patrols by the Navy. Unfortunately many of the people engaged in such illegal activities when challenged violently resist the efforts of fishery officers in carrying out their duties. I must stress that the various protection regulations on salmon fishing are designed to conserve salmon stocks and to provide an equitable share of the salmon catch for the different categories of fishermen involved. I cannot condone breaches of the law or the violent behaviour of some offenders which places staff engaged on fishery protection work at serious risk. My aim is to enforce the necessary conservation measures in as fair and equitable a manner as possible in the interests of the future of the fishery.