Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 4

Written Answers. - Erne Estuary Fishery.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

262 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will open the fishing season for salmon on the Erne Estuary on 17 June 1997, and close it on 30 August 1997, in line with all other draft net fisheries which have 11 weeks fishing in view of the concerns of the Erne Estuary Salmon Fishermen's Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11236/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I have consulted my scientific advisers and the Northern Regional Fisheries Board on the request of the Erne Estuary Salmon Fishermen's Association.

The unanimous advice is that salmon stocks in the River Erne are under considerable pressure. Therefore I am not prepared to extend the season on the Erne Estuary fishery.