Vol. 544 No. 4
96 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has received the results of the 2001 salmon tagging programme; if he has asked the National Salmon Commission to provide further advice on possible new measures designed to ensure a real reduction in the number of salmon taken by commercial nets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28931/01]
The Central Fisheries Board advises me that compliance with the salmon tagging scheme during the commercial and angling seasons has been generally satisfactory. The collation and analysis of the data provided by the logbooks and tag usage is being finalised by the boards. The future for salmon fishing critically depends on effective restoration and conservation of the salmon resource. No sector can be relieved of its obligation to reduce its catch of salmon stocks at risk. Further conservation actions, including catch reductions by all sides in 2002, must be put in place.
I have requested my Department, in consultation with the National Salmon Commission and the fisheries boards, to review and make proposals to me in relation to fishing effort reduction in 2002 in the context of the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order and other elements of the regulatory framework relating to commercial fishing for salmon. The National Salmon Commission will be fully consulted regarding any changes to be introduced which will be reviewed in light of management and scientific information on the state of stocks going forward.
