Vol. 491 No. 6
78 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the date when Lough Keg and Lough Gara in the upper Shannon region were last stocked with elvers; the numbers involved; and when it is proposed to restock these lakes. [12656/98]
The responsibility for the conservation, protection and development of eels in the Shannon region is primarily a matter for the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. The ESB is the owner of the fishing rights. I have had inquiries made on the matter and I am advised by the ESB that no elvers have been stocked in Lough Key and Lough Gara since the mid-1980s. The ESB has advised that its policy has been to allow natural upstream migration. The ESB pointed out that a Europe-wide shortage of elvers affected recruitment in the Lower Shannon and the best scientific advice was the basis for its policy.
The ESB also advises that an improvement in the recruitment of young eels was noted in 1997 and stocking will be extended to the upper lakes in 1998 if this improvement continues. The ESB states that initial plantings will be in Lough Allen to be followed by other smaller upper lakes such as Loughs Key and Gara.
