Vol. 457 No. 1
49 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if he intends to legalise a certain length of monafilament net for salmon fishing as recommended by the Review Body set up to examine the salmon fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14988/95]
The use of single strand monafilament netting in commercial salmon fishing has been prohibited since 1965. The Salmon Review Group, which reported in 1987, proposed that suspension of the ban on monafilament netting could be considered, but strictly in the context of full compliance with a significantly enhanced conservation and management regime for commercial salmon fishing.
I remain to be convinced that there is, in all the circumstances, a compelling case for relaxation of the ban on monafilament. In any event it is clear to me that a further thoroughgoing review of salmon management strategies is required in light of international and national developments since 1987 and with full regard for the interests of those with legitimate rights in salmon exploitation, be they commercial or angling. This review is under way.
The long-term aim of policy is to maximise, on a sustainable basis, the value to the economy of the wild salmon resource. The basic premise underlying policy is that the balance of advantage on conservation, environmental and economic grounds will lie increasingly with redirecting salmon stocks from interceptory offshore commercial exploitation towards recreational fishing. This is supported by the international experience and trends which are driven by the conservation imperative.
To take the review forward we are establishing a small task force to recommend on the necessary management and conservation strategies in line with these overall policy objectives. The task force will consult widely with all relevant interests. As part of its assessment of measures to manage and contain legal fishing effort, the task force will be reviewing the need for changes in the regulations relating to the nets and gears used by commercial salmon fishermen. Any such changes would have to be consistent with overall aims and objectives.
