Vol. 481 No. 7
121 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Salmon Development Task Force, with particular reference to the quotas, total allowable catch and tagging system which were recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17247/97]
A number of the task force's recommendations on new salmon management strategies were implemented for the 1997 season, including the reduction of the sea fishing area from 12 to six nautical miles out from the coast; a cap on the maximum numbers of commercial fishing licences; the postponement of the open season for commercial netsmen by several weeks; and the introduction for the first time of day-only fishing and a 3-day weekend close period. I am reviewing these measures to assess their effectiveness with a view to deciding whether additional conservation measures are required for 1998 in light of all the available scientific and other assessments.
The Marine Institute has recently submitted practical proposals for the introduction of a total allowable catch, a quota system and a tagging regime for salmon wich was also recommended by the task force. These proposals will now be the subject of further consultation with all the relevant interests, both commercial and angling, as well as the fisheries boards in the short-term. The outcome of the consultative process will critically inform my considerations of the legislative, licensing, funding and technical issues inherent in a quota based management strategy for salmon.
