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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 4

Written Answers. - Draft Net Fishing.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

271 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make an exception for draft net fishing and extend the season for this type of fishing on the basis that this traditional type of fishing has been going on for 300 years and is not harmful to salmon stocks. [11398/97]

John O'Donoghue

Question:

273 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for the Marine whether he will have arrangements made for the salmon fishing season to open at Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry, on 1 May 1997, and close on 1 August 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11400/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 273 together.

I have consulted my scientific advisers on the current state of salmon stocks, particularly those of spring salmon. Based on that advice it is clear that it is not in the interests of salmon conservation to grant opening dates for the commercial exploitation of salmon fisheries any earlier than have already been provided for in the new conservation measures.

I have decided to allow commercial salmon fishermen to continue fishing to the end of July in those areas where fishing would normally have finished on 25 July. This is justified by the relative strength of the grilse run in late July.

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