Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.

Martin Brady

Question:

138 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the controls, if any, which exist in relation to coarse fishing on inland waterways; whether there are permitted limits on catches of larger fish such as pike; the way in which the controls are enforced; the success of these controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21554/99]

(Dr. Woods): In addition to the general provisions on fishing in freshwater contained in primary legislation there are three main regulations in force in relation to coarse fishing.

The Conservation of Pike By-law 667 of 1990 sets a bag limit of one pike per angler per day. It also prohibits the killing of any pike over 6.6 lbs in weight with the exception of the retention of a "specimen pike". The Control of Fishing for Coarse Fish in Fresh Water By-law 595 of 1977 restricts to two the number of rods which an angler can use. It also prohibits all means of fishing for coarse fish in fresh water other than rod and line. As exceptions to the application of these two by-laws netting for coarse fish is permitted in the waters of certain loughs in the Shannon catchment during specified period of the year.

The Transfer of Live Roach By-law 561 of 1973 prohibits the transfer of live roach from any waters to any other waters.

The central and regional fisheries boards have primary responsibility for the enforcement of these regulations. The effectiveness of these measures is kept under review by my Department.