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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fish Stocks.

Liam Aylward

Question:

64 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the decimation of fishing stocks on the River Suir for both anglers and snap net fishermen due to the policies of his Department and the Southern Regional Fisheries Board; if he will change his policy in relation to fish preservation and stocks on the river; if he has satisfied himself that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that stocks would be maintained at an adequate level; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that most fishermen have not caught salmon for the past four to five years; if he will have full investigations made into the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17537/00]

There is a wide range of salmon conservation measures currently in place dealing with the length of the open season, times of fishing and fishing methods. These measures, which are based on the recommendations of the salmon management task force, have to be maintained in view of the vulnerable state of the salmon stocks.

Since coming into office, I have established the National Salmon Commission to assist and advise me on future salmon management and conservation strategies. I have asked the commission to provide me with analysis and advice on a range of key priorities relating to the conservation of the national salmon resource. The salmon tagging programme and the national fish counter pro gramme will provide the statistical base which will inform future decisions.
In relation to generally held concerns about salmon stocks in the River Suir, the staff of the Southern Regional Fisheries Board are monitoring the stock position very closely. In particular, the board has informed me that it is keeping under constant review the operation of fishing weirs in the estuary. No fishing weirs have operated in the Suir estuary during the smolt run in recent years. The board is also drafting a development plan for the river based on the catchment management model. The River Suir is included in the three rivers project under the aegis of the Department of the Environment and Local Government in partnership with the Southern Regional Fisheries Board.
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