Vol. 496 No. 6
123 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, his Department has regarding the duration of the draft net fishing season for 1999 on the Boyne; the estimated salmon and trout catch for the last five seasons; the plans, if any, he has to restore the full fishing season; if this has been recommended by the regional board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23737/98]
I have no plans at present to alter the current regime in respect of the draft net fishing season on the River Boyne. The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, which has primary, responsibility for the protection and conservation of fish stocks in the River Boyne, has not as yet made any proposals to me regarding the duration of the Boyne draft net fishery for 1999. Any such proposals will be assessed in the context of my review of salmon conservation and management regimes for 1999.
The following table gives details of the salmon and sea trout catch for the last five years:
River Boyne
|
Year |
Salmon |
Sea Trout |
|
1998* |
6,000 |
1,000 |
|
1997 |
1,758 |
982 |
|
1996 |
6,195 |
259 |
|
1995 |
7,828 |
1,084 |
|
1994 |
4,903 |
1,034 |
