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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 4

Written Answers - Salmon Management Report.

Willie O'Dea

Question:

276 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fundamental objections voiced by traditional licensed net fishermen of the Shannon Estuary to many of the recommendations contained in the report of the Salmon Management Task Force; if so, whether he intends to take such objections into account; when it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20845/96]

I have received Government approval to progress the implementation of the recommendations of the Salmon Management Task Force report. This entails a comprehensive package of measures designed to secure and augment salmon stocks and a move to management on a local catchment basis.

The management of the necessary changes will, because of its socio-economic consequences, need to be carried through with great sensitivity, and with a high degree of consensus. I am conscious that to proceed with the implementation of the recommendations will require the co-operation and goodwill of the interested sectors and organisations if a successful outcome is to be achieved.

A delegation of 12 members of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board met the Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, Deputy Gilmore, on 6 November 1996. The delegation included traditional estuarial netsmen who made known their particular concerns at certain recommendations in the Salmon Management Task Force report. These concerns had also been expressed at regional meetings held to discuss the practical arrangements necessary to put the policy decisions in place.

Careful consideration is being given to the views which were expressed at these meetings and to the various observations which have been offered on the subject. It was the intention of the report to increase the share of the total salmon catch going to the traditional estuarial netsmen, including draft and snap nets. However, it is possible that some of the recommendations, in particular restricting them to fishing between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m. only, may prevent them increasing their share. I am actively considering the possibility of some relief for that sector.

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