Brian O'Shea
Ceist:177 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to legalise the use of nylon nets for estuarial salmon fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17508/99]
Written Answers. - Salmon Fisheries.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:179 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to restore the salmon season in the Suir estuary to five days of 24 hours over the period 1 February to 15 August; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17510/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 179 together.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the snap net fisheries on the Waterford Estuary. The snap net fisheries in question enjoyed the longest commercial salmon fishing season in the country this year. The open season for this fishery extended from 12 May to 14 August. Fishing was permitted on a four day week, 24 hour basis from 12 May to 11 June and a five day week, 24 hour day basis for the rest of the season. The drift net season generally ran from 1 June to 31 July, on a four day week basis during the hours of daylight only. The draft net season generally ran from 12 May to 31 July on a four day week basis.
The salmon conservation measures now in place, including the restrictions on the commercial fishing season and limitations on the use of monofilament nets, are based on the recommendations of the Salmon Management Task Force. At the heart of these measures is the need to ensure that sufficient numbers of fish return to our rivers each year to spawn in the interest of the long-term sustainability of the fisheries.
Salmon populations remain very vulnerable and therefore it is imperative that the commitment to protection, conservation and management of our salmon fisheries is sustained by everybody involved, be they commercial or angling interests. The advice available to me does not suggest that conservation measures, including season lengths and in relation to monofilament netting, in place this year should be relaxed for 2000.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:178 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a voluntary buy-out scheme for persons holding a salmon fishing licence on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17509/99]
There are no proposals at present for the State to introduce a voluntary buy-out scheme for persons holding salmon fishing licences on the River Suir.
I have provided funding of £200,000 in 1999 for a pilot scheme which could support specific projects to encourage a reduction in commercial salmon netting in catchment areas where salmon stocks are under particular pressure.
In order to progress the initiative, the regional fisheries boards were invited to develop proposals in consultation with local fisheries interests. The Southern Regional Fisheries Board, in particular, is working with my Department and local interests to finalise a detailed proposal.