Vol. 484 No. 4
59 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the Marine Institute will complete the quota and tagging system; and when it will finish its assessment on the impact and effectiveness of the new salmon conservation measures. [19005/97]
I can confirm that the Marine Institute has submitted its feasibility study on the introduction of a total allowable catch, quota and tagging regime for salmon which was a key recommendation of the salmon management task force. In parallel with the Department's own examination of these proposals, I intend to disseminate the study shortly to all relevant players and organisations and invite their views. This wideranging consultative process will inform decisions on this new management strategy and is in my view essential if we are to continue and build on the hard won consensus on future directions for salmon management which the task force achieved so admirably.
I have asked the Marine Institute, the Central Fisheries Board and the Salmon Research Agency to provide me with a comprehensive assessment of the impact and effectiveness of the salmon conservation measures taken this year. I hope to have this shortly and will be glad to brief Deputies on the findings. I can say that initial reports available to me on catches and stocks highlight the need to continue at minimum with existing conservation measures.
