For generations draft net fishermen in Cromane, along the Caragh River, the Laune River and the Maine River in County Kerry have finished for salmon from 17 January each year. This has been the case for hundreds of years. Normally, the licences for the season would issue to the fishermen a few days before the opening of the season. That did not happen this year and the fishermen say they were simply ignored. They were not told the season would not commence until 15 May 1997 until they made inquiries upon not having received their licences.
In the Cromane area approximately 100 fishermen and their families are almost entirely dependent on draft net salmon fishing for their livelihoods. This means approximately 500 people in the area are directly adversely affected by the Minister for the Marine's decision. Cromane, near Killorglin, is unique in that there are more draft net fishermen there than in any other part of the country. They are involved in inshore fishing. While there may be draft net fishing in other areas it would be minuscule in scale compared to that which takes place in Cromane from 17 January to the end of July each year.
The mid Kerry area is severely affected by this decision. The salmon season in the region is best during the period from 17 January to approximately 1 May. the Minister of State proposes that the season would last from 15 May to the end of July rather than 17 January to the end of July. In addition, the fishermen will only be allowed to fish four days a week — from 6 a.m. on Tuesday to 6 a.m. on Saturday. This means people dependent on draft net salmon fishing will only be allowed fish for 30 days in the year.
The effect of these proposals will be devastating for the families involved. They will have no alternative but to abandon fishing and give up a way of life which they and their forbears have carried on for generations. It can only mean economic deprivation and, ultimately, emigration. Suitable job opportunities in the area are limited and what vacancies there are would not be suited to those who have spent their lives at sea.
Allowing the draft net fishermen in south Kerry to earn their livelihoods as heretofore will not have significant adverse effects on conservation. The area concerned is unique in that draft net fishing is not just a tradition but a way of life — a crucial supplement which allows people to earn a sufficient amount to keep their families. The diminution in their earnings which is now proposed has the capacity to denude the areas concerned of their populations.
I accept that the Minister and Minister of State believe the conservation of salmon stocks is important. However, in the context of the unique situation of these draft net fishermen, the conservation of people is at stake. I call on the Minister of State to restore the livelihoods of the fishermen of Cromane, along the Caragh River, the Laune River and the Maine River. The Minister of State knows the area well having worked there in the past. I am also aware he would not intend that draft net fishermen, who are severely affected by this measure, would lose a crucial supplement to their livelihoods which, in effect, allows them to continue living in the areas where they were born. Without that crucial supplement, they will have no alternative but to leave their homes. I understand the need to conserve stocks. However, the conservation of people is of paramount importance.