Vol. 416 No. 3
32 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine if he will prohibit the State owned Moy Fishery Company from carrying out commercial fishing on the River Moy during the months of February, March and April in order to allow spring salmon up the river for angling and spawning purposes, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It was decided last month that the State-owned traps on the Moy would not be operated during the month of February. This decision was based on a full assessment of all relevant factors and especially the fact that the loss of income to the fishery would not be excessive.
The non-operation of the traps during March and April would, on the basis of a repeat of the 1991 pattern lead to a loss of gross income of the order of £30,000.
I have reviewed the available scientific advice and there are no compelling grounds in that advice to change the long-established practice of operating these traps.
