As previously stated to this House, my overriding objective is to preserve the salmon resource in its own right and for the coastal and rural communities that it helps to support. The economic goals for a sustainable commercial salmon fishery based on quality and value rather than volume and also the development of salmon angling as an important tourism product are both fully compatible with the primary objective.
There is already a regime of measures including quotas and bag limits which are being implemented through the central and regional fisheries boards, the aim of which is to first and foremost allow adequate spawning stock into our rivers through the establishment of and adherence to conservation limits.
I hope that if we act collectively in a responsible manner to protect the salmon resource over the short-term, we will enhance its sustainability over the longer term to the benefit of all who depend on it. I have been urging all to support the quota reductions and bag limits on recreational anglers based on the science and socio-economic needs of the commercial sector.