Vol. 517 No. 4
148 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the assistance, if any, which can be given to a fishermen's organisation (details supplied) in County Waterford regarding problems for villages in the Waterford estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10115/00]
Unfortunately, salmon stocks in Waterford and elsewhere throughout the country remain in a vulnerable state and, therefore, the critical conservation and management measures which were in force last year must remain in place. However, it remains the case that where commercial netsmen and anglers working with the regional fisheries boards can agree a management plan for specific areas, the possibility of extending the seasons in those areas will be examined. In addition, I have now established the National Salmon Commission on a statutory basis and this committee will be advising me on future conservation and management strategies for the salmon resource.
It is very important that all the key fisheries interests in the area can work in close co-operation with one another to ensure that the resource is developed in an appropriate and equitable manner. To facilitate this I have asked BIM to work with all the relevant players to develop a co-ordinated local aquaculture management system, CLAMS, plan for Waterford estuary. I expect that with good co-operation from all parties a detailed CLAMS plan for the area can be prepared quickly which will be of benefit to all interests in the estuary.
