John Perry
Ceist:23 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of fish coun ters installed; the locations in this regard; and the number to be installed. [15959/99]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.
A total of 21 fish counters are already installed around the country and a further 14 will be in place by the end of the year 2000. I am providing the Deputy with a table which sets out the location and current status of all 35 counters. The current investment in fish counters is being supported by the tourism angling measure of the operational programme for tourism.
The national fish counter programme is a vitally important element of salmon management policy. By providing essential data on salmon numbers and distribution it will enable real time management to be applied to the salmon resource. The fish counter programme underpins the current salmon conservation measures, the proposed salmon tagging and quota scheme and the catchment management approach. All of these are key components of an integrated and effective salmon conservation and management programme.