I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 20 together.
I am glad of this opportunity to put on record again the long established laws and policy on fishing for salmon. The first point, and this is fundamental, is that all fishing for salmon outside the 12 mile limit is prohibited under international law. The second point is that the use of monofilament for salmon netting is illegal. The third point is that various other forms of netting, gear etc. are allowed for persons licensed to fish by the regional fisheries boards. It is strictly illegal to fish without being so licensed.
The purpose of these laws is to conserve stocks and ensure an equitable distribution of the catch. The downward trend in catches in recent years is causing serious concern. The whole trend internationally is to phase out drift netting. The pressure from many sources on this country to do likewise is intense. In this regard my Department are undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the implications of the adoption of such a direction in policy in this country.
I am fully conscious of the views of some communities around the coast which have traditionally relied on fishing for salmon as a key element in their local economies. The combination of falling "runs", declining prices and increased vigilance over the years by the enforcement agencies has created a particularly difficult situation for those communities. We must be mindful of the needs of such communities and groups and I am anxious to hear their views.
On the occasion of my visit to Donegal on Monday, 24 February last I met a deputation from one such group, Mná na Mara, who raised the following issues with me: 1. The regulations governing drift-netting for salmon and in particular the prohibition on monofilament netting. 2. The adverse effects of increased seal populations on fish stocks and catches. 3. The re-stocking of salmon rivers. 4. The possible dilution of wild salmon stocks by fish escaping from salmon farms, and reduced demand for wild salmon.
Following that meeting I arranged for officials of my Department to meet representatives of Mná na Mara and some other interested parties for a detailed discussion of all these issues on Thursday, 23 April 1992, during which a number of proposals were put forward in relation to type of gear, length and depth of gear, length of boat, length of fishing season, length of fishing week, restocking, pollution, seals, fresh-water poaching, penalties on dealers/buyers and buying out licence holders. These proposals are being actively considered in my Department at present and I hope to be in a position to draw some conclusions in the near future.