Gerry Reynolds
Question:102 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the ESB's eel survey on the Shannon Basin is complete; and the main findings in this regard. [15354/00]
Written Answers. - Eel Fishing.
Gerry Reynolds
Question:103 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will give details of the conservation measures put in place as a result of the eel survey carried out on the Shannon Basin. [15355/00]
Gerry Reynolds
Question:104 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the measures put in place in relation to commercial eel fishing on the Shannon Basin for the present season, 2000. [15356/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 to 104, inclusive, together.
On 29 May 2000 the ESB launched a report prepared by the National University of Ireland, Galway entitled "Eel Fishing in the River Shannon: Eel Population Changes, Fishery Management Options and Fishery Conservation Issues". The stated aims of the report are to outline and review the research and development work undertaken during the ESB Shannon eel management programme from 1992 to February 2000; to indicate alternative fishery management measures that could be adopted in future years; to specify eel population parameters and environmental factors that should be monitored in future years and to provide general guidelines for the future development of the eel fishery and to highlight eel stock conservation issues.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999, confers on the relevant regional fisheries board the power to grant an authorisation to use a fishing engine or a long line for the capture of eels. The Management of Eel Fishing Bye Law No. 752, 1998 sets at ten the maximum number of eel fishing licences for a long line which the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board may issue. I expect that the long standing practice whereby I authorise the catching by the ESB of eels for scientific purposes will continue in 2000.
In the coming months I will establish an eel strategy review group to examine all issues relating to the development and regulation of the sector and to report to me. I will be inviting the key players in the sector to participate in the review, including the ESB.