Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
74 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the protection of wild Atlantic salmon, in view of the importance of angling to the national and local economy culture here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13718/04]
View answerI take this opportunity to further reaffirm the Government's commitment to the conservation of the wild Atlantic salmon stock so that in the future the resource can provide the maximum contribution to the regional and national economy.
The Government view 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 which depend on fishing resources for their livelihood and the recreational users, including tourists, who each pursue the noble salmon for their own end.
We are all agreed that 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 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.
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.
