Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 8

Written Answers. - Wild Salmon Stocks.

Peadar Clohessy

Question:

199 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for the Marine the measures, if any, which he intends to take to censure An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for its inclusion of a report in the submission of the wild salmon support group to the working group on management and conservation strategies for salmon; his views on this submission; and his views on the inclusion in the submission of a report by a former official (details supplied) of his Department who is seconded to another organisation but who is still paid by his Department. [7627/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I can confirm that the wild salmon support group has made a submission to the salmon management task force which had invited the views of interested individuals and organisations. The submission incorporated analyses of particular issues relevant to salmon management, as follows: (1) Biological management for salmon stocks by Dr. Ken Whelan. (Salmon Research Agency); (2) Economic assessment of the earnings of commercial salmon fisheries in Ireland since 1960 and the estimation of their residual value by F.S. O'Muircheartaigh. (ESRI).

(3) Economics of recreational versus commercial exploitation of wild salmon by Professor Brendan Whelan. (ESRI).

(4) Possible alternative sources of livelihood for salmon fishermen (BIM).

(5) The Irish Times articles 1995 (Dr. K. Whitaker).

It was a matter for all those making submissions to the task force to adduce available data and assessments by authoritative sources in support of their contributions. Informed contributions, from all the many perspectives, to the debate on the future management of wild salmon stocks are to be welcomed.