Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

Questions (112)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

112. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the inland fisheries division within his Department or Inland Fisheries Ireland have investigated the desirability of reintroducing European Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) into SAC waters, given that the reintroduction is the only measure available to achieve their favourable conservation status in Ireland under Article 22 of the EU Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30607/23]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have advised that the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is a species which may enter freshwater for variable periods but principally occur in marine or estuarine waters.  A recent study on sturgeon indicated that through the historical records only 243 records exist over a period of 276 years indicating that the species is a nomadic and relatively rare visitor to Irish waters.

While the Atlantic sturgeon is listed under the Habitats Directive Annex II and IV for Europe, it is not listed by the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) as a qualifying interest fish species for Ireland under relevant legislation.

Based on available information and data, it is not clearly evidenced that Atlantic sturgeon is native to Ireland but rather is a nomadic and infrequent visitor to our shores. Therefore, consideration or support for a reintroduction programme is not considered appropriate.