Vol. 504 No. 7
120 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the opposition to recent changes in relation to the use of shrimp as bait by rod fishermen; if he will review these measures in view of the fact inland and drift net fishing for salmon continues unabated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12548/99]
125 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the discussions, if any, which took place with a club (details supplied) before the recently introduced by-law 756 which will have major negative consequences for the club; if he will meet a delegation from the club; and if he will revoke the by-law until such time as all parties together discuss positive ways of conserving dwindling stocks of salmon. [12720/99]
I propose to take Parliamentary Questions No. 120 and 125 together.
The ban on the use of prawn and shrimp as bait, which applies to 31 May next, has been introduced in the interests of protecting vulnerable spring salmon stocks and as part of stringent conservation measures for salmon generally including restrictions on commercial fishing. I have already received requests to extend the application of this measure to the full season next year.
The ban on prawn and shrimp was one of a number of measures recommended to me following a seminar held in September 1998 to address and advise on measures to tackle the decline in spring salmon stocks. The attendance at the seminar included representatives of a wide spectrum of fishing interests, including anglers.
