Vol. 472 No. 1
340 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine if he has issued a directive to limit the number of drift net licences in the fishery boards areas to 1995 levels; if so, the reason he has preempted discussions on the Salmon Fishery Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22560/96]
The Control of Fishing for Salmon (Amendment) Order, 1996, prescribes the maximum numbers of commercial salmon licences in each district. Licences are being capped at the numbers of commercial licences allocated in 1995.
This measure is part of a package of conservation measures to be taken for the 1997 salmon season and beyond in order to conserve salmon stocks and to allow for improved escapement to rivers. The conservation measures are the first step in a series of new practical strategies for salmon management which will be put in place framed around the recommendations of the salmon management task force. Consultations are continuing with angling organisations and the sectoral interests at regional and national level on future directions for salmon management in light of the task force recommendations and the intention to proceed with the necessary conservation measures for 1997 have been clearly signalled, and debated, in these consultations.
