Vol. 481 No. 6
108 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, there are nationally and internationally to restrict the level of fishing in the River Boyne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16800/97]
There are no plans either at national or international level to introduce restrictions on salmon fishing specific to the River Boyne.
As I have previously advised the House, overall policy is aimed at maximising on a sustainable basis the value of the wild salmon resource. The basic premise underlying policy is that the balance of advantage, on conservation, ecological and economic grounds, should lie increasingly with redirecting salmon exploitation towards the rivers and estuaries.
In that context, as I have previously stated, my immediate priority is to review the various salmon conservation measures introduced for the 1997 season. My decisions in relation to conservation measures for 1998 and future years will be informed by a comprehensive analysis by our salmon scientists of the state of Irish salmon stocks as well as of the international data; the impact and effectiveness of the conservation measures taken this year, and an assessment of fishing effort, enforcement and compliance levels.
I have also announced my intention to move to a catchment-based approach for inland fisheries management, which will inter alia address the specific and localised impacts of salmon management and conservation strategies.
The requirements and concerns of the commercial and recreational salmon fisheries on the River Boyne will be assessed in the context of these overall reviews.
