Vol. 404 No. 9
93 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if, in view of the serious situation regarding the decline in sea trout stocks and the recent report by the Government-sponsored Sea Trout Action Group, he will outline the action he proposes to take to rectify this matter.
As I have already stated in a press release on 4 February last, a copy of which has been forwarded to the Deputy for his information, I welcome the Sea Trout Action Group's (STAG) report and the related research which was co-ordinated by the Salmon Research Agency. The report is a significant contribution at unravelling the possible causes of the decline in sea trout stocks. Following indepth evaluation of the report by my Department, in consultation with other bodies, it is hoped to reach our own conclusions on the subject and take whatever steps which can be justified in the circumstances.
On the basis of the report I have directed my Department to examine most urgently what management steps should be introduced immediately. I have directed that consultations be held with BIM, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the IDA and the Irish aquaculture industry and I am arranging to meet with STAG at an early date to discuss the situation.
I intend to support the further work into the primary causes of the problem. I have also asked the Salmon Research Agency to prepare a programme of experimental measures aimed at improving stocks.
