John Gormley
Question:267 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on concerns that have been expressed in relation to a report (details supplied) on sea trout research. [2040/98]
Written Answers. - Sea Trout Report.
The Cowx report was commissioned by the Marine Institute as a technical exercise to review sea trout sampling programme methodologies and its own methodology was subject to independent evaluation at the University of Massachusetts. As with all such reports, there will inevitably be differing perspectives on the findings and conclusions but this should not lead us down the unproductive road of questioning the bona fides of the report and its author. These reports, together with further technical assessments by the Central Fisheries Board and others, are informing the current review of the strategic focus and direction of sea trout management, conservation and research programmes. In that regard the chief executives of the Marine Institute, the Central Fisheries Board and the Salmon Research Agency are drawing up, at the Department's request, proposals to take forward the science, management and structures for dialogue in relation to the sea trout programmes. My overriding policy objective is to put in place sea trout strategies for the future which are consistent with the overall approach set down by the Whitaker task force in 1994 while drawing on the collective experiences of the last number of years. The collective views of the agencies concerned on future directions will directly inform my thinking in this regard.