Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
287 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the demand of associations (details supplied) for a permanent end to all drift net activity in and around coastal waters from the end of the 2004 salmon season. [8564/04]
View answerI am aware of the demands as expressed by the associations mentioned by the Deputy in regard to drift netting for wild salmon. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the Government's commitment to the conservation of the wild salmon stock so that in the future the resource can provide the maximum contribution to the regional and national economy.
The Government views our salmon stock as a national asset, which must be conserved, protected and shared among all our citizens. As a result, a delicate balancing exercise is necessary between the needs of the coastal and inland communities who depend on fishing resources for their livelihood and the recreational users, including tourists, who each pursue the noble salmon for their own end.
We all agree over-exploitation of fish stocks is a significant threat to the long-term sustainability of the inland fisheries resource. The Government has accepted the scientific advice to the effect that reductions in the overall fishing effort are required in order to sustain and rebuild wild salmon stocks on a district basis. For this reason, the current policy has been designed to bring spawning escapement in all districts and catchments up to the level of the scientifically advised conservation limit in 2005.
With regard to commercial salmon fishing, I would argue strongly that the Government's management of the Irish home water commercial salmon fisheries, which limits the commercial salmon fishing season and restricts the number of fish being caught, clearly demonstrates a commitment to the conservation of the wild salmon stock which is in keeping with the highest international standards.
My Department has in recent years introduced a range of conservation measures which have seen considerable advancements made in salmon policy and, in particular, the management of the drift net salmon fishery. As part of these measures, the drift net season is now confined to a two month period in June and July on a four day week basis. Fishing is only allowed during daylight hours and is confined to the area within the six mile limit.
The Department has recently published draft wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations which, inter alia, limit the total allowable commercial catch of salmon for the 2004 season. The current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice by next year holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long term sustainable fishery for both sectors.
