Vol. 504 No. 7
128 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when the 1999 salmon season will commence on the River Blackwater in County Waterford; when a decision will be made regarding the type of nets which can be used for the forthcoming season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12820/99]
The salmon angling season on the river Blackwater opened on 1 February and will close on 30 September 1999. Commercial netting is not allowed in the fresh water portion of this river.
The salmon and trout conservation by-law, April 15, 1999 which regulates salmon and trout commercial fishing in 1999. The effect of this by-law on draft and drift net fishing, where allowed, in the Blackwater estuary and Lismore District is as follows. The draft net fishing season commenced on 12 May and will close on 31 July. Fishing is allowed on a four day week and a 24 hour day basis, Tuesday to Friday inclusive. The drift net fishing season will commence on 1 June and will close on 31 July. Fishing will be allowed on a four day week basis during daylight hours only, Monday to Thursday inclusive.
The by-law prohibits the use of monofilament and multistrand monofilament netting in draft nets. However, this netting is allowed in drift nets.
