Vol. 420 No. 1
10 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine if he has had meetings with Mná na Mara, if so, if he will outline the number and location of such meetings, the nature of proposals submitted by the group; and if any of their proposals are being implemented.
20 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine if he intends changing or amending the regulations governing drift-net salmon fishing particularly in relation to the use of monofilament nets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 20 together.
I am glad of this opportunity to put on record again the long established laws and policy on fishing for salmon. The first point, and this is fundamental, is that all fishing for salmon outside the 12 mile limit is prohibited under international law. The second point is that the use of monofilament for salmon netting is illegal. The third point is that various other forms of netting, gear etc. are allowed for persons licensed to fish by the regional fisheries boards. It is strictly illegal to fish without being so licensed.
The purpose of these laws is to conserve stocks and ensure an equitable distribution of the catch. The downward trend in catches in recent years is causing serious concern. The whole trend internationally is to phase out drift netting. The pressure from many sources on this country to do likewise is intense. In this regard my Department are undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the implications of the adoption of such a direction in policy in this country.
I am fully conscious of the views of some communities around the coast which have traditionally relied on fishing for salmon as a key element in their local economies. The combination of falling "runs", declining prices and increased vigilance over the years by the enforcement agencies has created a particularly difficult situation for those communities. We must be mindful of the needs of such communities and groups and I am anxious to hear their views.
On the occasion of my visit to Donegal on Monday, 24 February last I met a deputation from one such group, Mná na Mara, who raised the following issues with me: 1. The regulations governing drift-netting for salmon and in particular the prohibition on monofilament netting. 2. The adverse effects of increased seal populations on fish stocks and catches. 3. The re-stocking of salmon rivers. 4. The possible dilution of wild salmon stocks by fish escaping from salmon farms, and reduced demand for wild salmon.
Following that meeting I arranged for officials of my Department to meet representatives of Mná na Mara and some other interested parties for a detailed discussion of all these issues on Thursday, 23 April 1992, during which a number of proposals were put forward in relation to type of gear, length and depth of gear, length of boat, length of fishing season, length of fishing week, restocking, pollution, seals, fresh-water poaching, penalties on dealers/buyers and buying out licence holders. These proposals are being actively considered in my Department at present and I hope to be in a position to draw some conclusions in the near future.
I would like to thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. As the Minister is probably aware, the group I have mentioned in my question, namely, Mná na Mara, were established immediately after the salmon fishing season of 1991 out of frustration at what had occurred during the season and concern at what the future holds for themselves and their families, particularly those who are dependent on the salmon fishing industry. Has the Minister given consideration to the proposals of the Salmon Review Group, who presented a report to his Department three or four years ago, making certain recommendations in regard to monofilament nets? What are the Minister's views on that report and does he intend to make an announcement before the onset of the coming season, which is due to commence in two to three weeks?
I have made a regulation recently, which the Deputy will find in the Library, in relation to the whole question of drift netting. I accept what the Deputy has said in relation to concern for the future. This is a very complex problem and one to which we are giving much consideration. In relation to the specific problems in the area mentioned by the Deputy, the approach we are taking is the best approach. The problem will not be solved easily; it will best be solved by the involvement of the people concerned to see if we can come up with a balance of measures most suitable to deal with their problem. As the Deputy knows, there is great pressure internationally in regard to drift netting. That raises the question of buying out licences, which is one of the matters being considered by this group.
Could the Minister indicate whether the rules and regulations governing the type of gear used will be the same this year as they were last year and previous years, or does he intend changing the regulations this year?
That is a separate question. However, the Deputy should look at the regulations in detail. Essentially they are similar to those of last year, with additional provision for the 26 foot boats, which include currachs, to give them more access to coastal areas, as traditional fishing people are hardly plundering the sea and the stocks. There is a provision which gives them some further latitude. It will mean they can go out 100 metres from the promontory or beach.
I thank the Minister for his comprehensive answer and express my appreciation that within days of his appointment he met Mná na Mara and that through his Department he is continuing the dialogue. The Minister should keep in mind, in his deliberations with his colleagues in Europe, that the whole idea of doing away with drift netting has little to do with the drift netting we are talking about off the coast of Ireland. We should be very much on our guard to ensure we are not just brought into no drift netting. Will the Minister give early consideration to the legalising of monofilament nets? That should have been done years ago. We are totally out of touch in opposing a more efficient net that can be used in daylight rather than at night.
I appreciate the problem about its use in daylight and that that can lead to considerable danger for fishermen in some circumstances. That is being considered in this package. The Deputy can take it that I will keep a balance and that we will not be rushed by a global view of something. Recently I made provision for the small inshore boats which are not causing a particular problem. We must wait to see what recommendations come forward and which ones will be helpful in the future.
Do I understand from the Minister that vessels of 26 feet and under will be allowed to use monofilament nets in the coming season? Is the Minister planning to do anything about the seal problem?
They are specific and separate questions.
As the Deputy knows monofilament nets are illegal. It is a question of where the drift netting can take place. These nets can be used outside of 200 metres from a line drawn between two promontaries. Small boats will be allowed inside that with certain limitations.
And use monofilaments?
They are illegal. That is a wider question.
The Minister referred to declining prices for wild salmon. This is not the case. Wild salmon was extremely expensive last year. Is the Minister doing anything to promote the concept of salmon ranching as a method of exploiting wild salmon? Will the Minister do anything about removing these wretched cages containing the farm fish?
They are very much separate questions.
The question of salmon ranching, which is used in some other countries, is being investigated. On the price of wild salmon the Deputy will realise that prices generally for salmon have been down considerably even though we have some of the best salmon in the world. We have been affected by other events——
Dumping.
——which are easing off somewhat at this stage because of action taken at EC level.
