Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Salmon Management.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

166 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received the advice of the National Salmon Commission on the effectiveness of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6256/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

When I took up office in June last year, I asked the National Salmon Commission to review the effectiveness of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme which was introduced by my Department in 2001 and limited the total allowable commercial catch of salmon for the first time in 2002. The scheme was also designed to deliver accurate statistics on the commercial and recreational salmon and sea trout fisheries, fishing activities, sales and disposals with a view to informing the fisheries boards' management plans for the protection, conservation, and improvement of fisheries.

The National Salmon Commission has completed this comprehensive review and, as part of its considered advice, recently recommended that the total allowable commercial catch of salmon for the 2003 season should not exceed 182,000 fish. This represents a 12% cut on the commercial catch in 2002. I understand the commission tendered its recommendation based on the advice of its own standing scientific committee and the management of the central and regional fisheries boards.

I also understand the commission is of the view that we must bring spawning escapement in all districts and catchments up to the level of the conservation limit as soon as possible and within a defined time frame. The commission has further recommended that a three-year strategy should be put in place to ensure, through further progressive reductions, that the conservation limits specified by its standing scientific committee should be reached by 2005. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, has already indicated publicly our concurrence with this approach.

I am advised by the commission that the scheme has been effective in that it allows more accurate statistics on catches and makes it easier to identify illegally caught salmon, restrict sales of such fish, provides traceability and also enhances the sale value of fish.

The National Salmon Commission has made a number of other recommendations aimed at improving the operation of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme in 2003. My Department is finalising the draft regulations to give effect to these proposed adjustments. I intend to publish these shortly for a 30-day period in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Acts. During this time, interested parties will have an opportunity to submit any objections they may have which I will consider before I make a final decision on the scheme.