Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:96 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the costs incurred by the ESB in relation to the brown eel survey for each of the years from 1993 to date. [26383/98]
Written Answers. - Brown Eel Survey.
Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:97 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the tonnage of brown eels sold by the ESB during the brown eel survey for each of the years from 1993 to date. [26384/98]
Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:98 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans or proposals, if any, the ESB has for its brown eel fishery in view of the results of the brown eel survey. [26385/98]
Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:99 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the costs and expenses of the brown eel survey team for each of the years from 1993 to date. [26386/98]
Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:100 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will set up an independent inquiry to explain and examine the reason the Lough Neagh fishery can generate over £5 million per year while carrying out a brown eel research survey whereas the Shannon eel fishery generates a net loss to the ESB and the State. [26387/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 100, inclusive, together.
The brown eel research survey is the responsibility of the ESB in line with its statutory responsibility for the fishery concerned. I am advised that the costs incurred by the ESB in relation to the brown eel survey for the years 1993 to date, and the tonnage of brown eels sold by them are as follows:
|
Year |
Cost — £000's |
Tonnage Sold |
|
1993 |
15 |
44 |
|
1994 |
23 |
52 |
|
1995 |
20 |
54 |
|
1996 |
10 |
46 |
|
1997 |
23 |
62 |
|
1998 |
15 |
45 |
Expenses and costs of the survey teams are the individual responsibility of each survey crew and are not paid by the ESB. I am advised that the ESB is currently reviewing the results of the brown eel survey with relevant interests with a view to drawing up a development programme.
The Lough Neagh and the River Shannon eel fisheries are not directly comparable. Independent research has been carried out to define practical achievable targets for the Shannon catchment which will inform future strategies for the eel fishery.