Robert Molloy
Question:13 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, being taken to save sea trout from extinction; the progress achieved to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Protection of Sea Trout Stocks.
Austin Deasy
Question:105 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine the measures, if any, he is taking to protect sea trout stocks particularly along the west coast both at sea and in rivers and lakes.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 105 together.
The Department has played a key role in the funding and organisation of research efforts to date into the collapse of sea trout stocks. The results of the 1992 research programme have been evaluated by a working group set up under the aegis of the Department and chaired by the Department's chief scientific adviser. The group, which comprises a range of scientists working on the research programme, includes representatives from the Salmon Research Agency, the Central Fisheries Board, universities as well as the Department's Fisheries Research Centre.
The report of the working group was published earlier this week. It concludes that further research needs to be undertaken in 1993 into the causes of the problem and also recommends a number of conservation and management measures which should be taken or enhanced to halt the decline in sea trout numbers.
As I announced on publication of the report, the working group's recommendations are to be implemented under an expanded research, conservation and management programme which is currently being put in place by the Department.
The 1993 programme is being undertaken in consultation with all relevant interests including the fisheries boards, fishery owners and fish farmers. It builds on measures taken in previous years.
Research will be continued with additional emphasis on stock sampling data and sea lice biology and distribution. The working group will remain in place to evaluate and report on research projects undertaken this year; Conservation by-laws to protect existing sea trout stocks will be renewed, and possibly extended for 1993; Rehabilitation of sea trout stocks will be developed under a national stock enhancement programme being formulated under the Department's direction; Management strategies for fish farms will be further enhanced and formalised, with particular emphasis on the development of agreed guidelines, by management strategies and fish husbandry practices aimed at minimising lice loads and disease incidence on fish farms. I have also established a representative advisory group to examine and recommend on following strategies including site location. The Department's sea lice monitoring programme for 1993 gets under way this week. The frequency and co-ordination of all lice monitoring activities will be further reviewed.
In recent meetings with representatives of the fishery owners and fish farmers I have stressed the importance of a consensus approach to resolving the complex problem of sea trout declines. I am confident that the initiatives now being taken will have the full support and co-operation of all concerned.