I can assure the Deputy that I have no plans to close down salmon fishing on 1 July this year. The scientific and management information available to me confirms the continuing vulnerability of salmon stocks. I have therefore decided to maintain and enhance in certain key respects, existing conservation measures for this season. All commercial salmon fishing will again close on 31 July. There is one exception which is the snap net fishery in the Waterford Estuary, which I propose to close on 14 August 1999. However, where commercial fishermen and anglers can agree salmon management plans for specific areas, I have indicated that I will be open to reviewing season lengths for those areas in consultation with the regional fisheries boards.
I have also announced a number of important new measures beginning this year to protect spring salmon and spawning stocks. These include a total ban on prawn and shrimp bait until 1 June and a selective ban in certain areas from 1 September thereafter. A ban on the use of gaffs is also being introduced which will facilitate catch and release schemes. I have asked the regional fisheries boards to develop and propose voluntary catch and release schemes in partnership with local fishing clubs. In addition, spring salmon "black spot" rivers will remain closed for angling next year until 1 May. The regional fisheries boards will identify those spring salmon rivers which are particularly vulnerable. My decision on the salmon conservation measures for 1999 were informed by consultations with, and feedback from, the central and regional fisheries boards and the Marine Institute. They were also informed by the views of the various organisations which represent the interests of commercial and recreational salmon fishermen. The initiatives I am taking in relation to spring salmon stocks were also informed by the outcome of the national spring salmon stocks seminar held in September last year as well as the advice of each of the regional fishery boards. I share the general concerns about the state of spring salmon stocks. The steps I am taking this year are the first in a series of phased measures to address the particular conservation needs of this component of the salmon stock.
I have no doubt I have the full support of the central and regional fishery boards in maintaining and enhancing salmon conservation strategies for 1999 in the interests of the resource itself and of all stakeholders in that resource.
