Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:34 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has for the future management of the wild salmon sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14431/96]
Written Answers. - Salmon Management Report.
Godfrey Timmins
Ceist:47 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine when the task force set up to review the salmon industry will report to the Government; and when the report will be made public. [14240/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 47 together.
I have received the report and recommendations of the Salmon Management Task Force. On foot of the report I am finalising a framework of strategic measures for the future management of the wild salmon resource based around the task force recommendations and grounded in the various policy objectives which I have previously outlined to the House.
Salmon management policy and its future direction is a matter of considerable national importance and concern. I intend therefore to bring the task force report to Government within the next few weeks, together with my proposals on future management strategies following which the report will be published in full. I also think it would be appropriate to afford the House, or a Committee of the House, the opportunity to have a full debate on the report and on future strategic directions for salmon management as soon as this can be arranged.
The basic premise underlying policy is that the balance of advantage on conservation, environmental and economic grounds will lie increasingly with redirecting salmon stocks away from interceptory commercial fishing at sea and towards recreational fishing. In developing the necessary strategies to bring about that transition, salmon policy objectives must have full regard for the interests of those with legitimate rights in salmon exploitation be they commercial or angling.
There are complex and delicate balances to be struck in delivering an integrated strategic framework for action grounded in consensus and co-operation by all concerned interests. There are numerous issues critical to the conservation of wild salmon stocks to be taken into account in developing that framework. I have been weighing all of these with the aim of putting in place the best possible mix of practical measures, within a realistic timeframe, to secure the future for the wild salmon resource. I am confident that a new strategic direction can be achieved and will be supported, and I look forward to a positive and constructive debate at all levels on the way forward from here.