Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

251 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the breakdown for the total allowable catch of 10,003 fish for the Lismore district for drift, draft and snap nets for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17003/03]

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

The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2003 provide, among other things, for quotas in each of the 17 fishery districts, including the Lismore district, for commercial fishing of wild salmon and sea trout. The quota set for each district was decided by the Minister of State on the advice of the National Salmon Commission which is representative of all stakeholders in the sector.

Under the regulations, the chief executive officer of the regional fisheries board is given the statutory responsibility and accountability to manage and operate the allocation of quotas in each district following consultation with the fishery district committee. The membership of the Lismore fishery district committee is made up of members of the regional fisheries board who are representative of all the commercial fishermen in the district.

I have asked the chief executive officer of the Southern Regional Fisheries Board to advise the Deputy directly on the details of the allocation of the quota in the Lismore district.