asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the threat to valuable salmon stocks if netting of salmon were to be undertaken on a large scale off the coasts, particularly in view of such developments elsewhere and rumours that some Irish fishermen are buying nets for this purpose; and if he will state whether he proposes to take steps to avert the danger.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastal Salmon Netting.
14.
Representations have been made to me in this matter and the possibility of any threat to our salmon stocks is being closely watched. Should the netting of salmon at sea be likely to develop to an extent which would endanger the stocks, I would not hesitate to introduce measures to deal effectively with the situation. As it might conceivably become necessary to prohibit the use of extensive salmon nets, fishermen would be well advised to avoid committing themselves to purchasing such nets.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at present there is excessive use of nets by persons other than Irish fishermen off the mouth of Irish rivers? Is he aware that the situation which developed off the Scottish coast is now being switched to the Irish coast, with grave loss to salmon fishermen?
The position is that the situation is being watched and, as I said, I should not hesitate to introduce measures to deal effectively with that situation, in the event of the netting of salmon at sea developing.