asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give an indication of the number of salmon caught by driftnets in the 1987 season; if he will indicate the numbers taken legally and illegally; and if he will give the number of salmon caught by licensed rod fishermen in 1987.
Written Answers. - Salmon Catches.
16.
The statistics sought by the Deputy are not yet available. I will arrange to have the required information supplied to the Deputy in relation to the reported salmon catch as soon as it comes available in approximately three weeks time.
It is not possible to indicate the numbers of fish taken illegally. 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.
I must stress that the various protection regulations on salmon fishing are designed to conserve salmon stocks. 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. To this end I am currently considering a number of proposals which have been recommended by the Salmon Review Group.