asked the Minister for Lands whether it can be stated with certainty that it is the common brown seal, and not the grey seal, which is responsible for the damage done by seals to the nets and fishing yields of the Ringsend fishermen in the Liffey estuary; and if he will state whether any plans are under consideration for the improvement of salmon fishing yields in the estuary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ringsend Salmon Fisheries: Damage by Seals.
I am advised that any seals observed in the Liffey estuary have with rare exceptions been common or brown seals. The grey seal frequents the more exposed rocky parts of the coast feeding on rough sea fish and it seldom enters the brackish waters of the estuaries of rivers.
I intend to introduce measures for the improvement of stocks in salmon rivers generally. A survey of stocks and spawning areas in the Liffey system is in progress, completion of which is awaited before precise plans for that river system are formulated.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will have steps taken to assist those authorities who, over a number of years now, have, despite the most intensive efforts, failed to diminish, or eradicate, depredations by seals on the salmon fishing yields and fishermen's gear in the Ringsend estuary.
The Dublin Board of Conservators, which is the responsible authority, operates a scheme of rewards for the destruction of seals and other predators. If the board should seek to inaugurate more effective measures for the destruction of seals my Department would be glad to advise in the matter and to assist within the limits of the financial resources available for the purpose.