Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 1994

Vol. 437 No. 6

Written Answers. - Trout Stock.

Edward Nealon

Question:

352 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, that has been made by the sea trout task force set up by him to tackle the problem of the decline of sea trout numbers in the west of Ireland waters; if the group has identified the major reasons for the decline; if the task force has examined the records of sea trout returns in England and Wales where there also has been a problem with declining trout stock numbers; if the task force has made any recommendations at this stage; if these recommendations have been put into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

On 30 November last I published a progress report presented to me by the Chairman of the Sea Trout Task Force, Dr. T.K. Whitaker.

This report provides a summary account of the work of the Task Force since its establishment in July 1993. It contains a series of interim recommendations, including advice on a range of measures aimed at minimising lice levels at sea farming cages. These measures include an intensified inspection programme for salmon farms, together with enhanced reporting arrangements and procedures.

The Task Force has also made a number of recommendations towards safeguarding the viability of the 1994 sea trout migration in the Waterville sea trout fishery which is receiving special attention from the group.

The Task Force also advised that the scientific study of problems affecting sea trout would be advanced by preserving a distinct section of the coastline free of new salmon farming operations in any form. The area between Achill and Donegal Bay (excluding existing salmon farm operations in Donegal Bay) has been suggested as appropriate for this purpose.

I have already confirmed to the Task Force that these interim recommendations are being implemented by the Department. The Task Force is continuing its consideration of the problem and will make further recommendations to me as they are formulated. I am advised that the major reasons for the sea trout decline and comparative data on sea trout stocks elsewhere are being reviewed by the Task Force whose final report is expected before Easter.

The Department's 1994 Action Programme to conserve, protect and rehabilitate sea trout stocks is being finalised in full consultation with the Task Force.

Decisions on the Action Programme will also be informed by the recently completed report of the Sicentific Sea Trout Working Group which evaluates the results of the 1993 national sea trout research programme and advises on measures to conserve and rehabilitate sea trout stocks and on management strategies for salmon farms. This report, which will be published shortly, has already been forwarded to the Task Force for its consideration.