Vol. 412 No. 2
27 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the reports he has received about the illegal use of monofilament nets for salmon fishing; the number of prosecutions in the past 12 months; and the quantity of monofilament net seized.
The central and seven regional fisheries boards have statutory responsibility for the enforcement of the fisheries laws. This is an operational matter for the boards and I have no function in the matter.
Any reports received in my Department regarding the use of monofilament nets are referred to the regional boards concerned for their necessary investigation and follow up.
I understand that in respect of the 1991 season the fisheries board have initiated legal proceedings in 78 cases to date.
The total length of monofilament netting seized by the regional fisheries boards during the 1991 season is 41,000 yards.
Assessments from the Naval Service and the Air Corps indicate that the level of illegal activity in 1991 was much lower than in previous years.
