Vol. 436 No. 6
111 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the decline in game fishing in the rivers and lakes in the west of Ireland; the proposals, if any, he has to rectify this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The most serious problem with game fishing in the west is the decline of sea trout stocks in recent years. I have on a number of occasions already made clear my utter determination to ensure that these stocks are not driven to extinction and listed the measures taken by me to that end including the formation of a high-level task force whose agenda has one item only — to save the seatrout.
I am not aware of any other generalised problem with fish stocks in the west although there may be localised difficulties in particular areas from time to time. However, these are balanced out by exceptional fishing in recent times such as that for salmon on the Bunowen, Erriff, Corrib and Moy systems.
The two regional fisheries boards in question are currently finalising development plans for the fisheries in their regions which will be financed from the allocation for Inland Fisheries under the EU Structural Funds.
