Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 2

Written Answers. - Salmon Fish Stock.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

56 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of licences and catch from commercial fishing for salmon for each of the last five years; the percentage increase or decrease in the overall catch for the same period; the plans if any he has to restore the salmon fish stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16374/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Definitive statistics in relation to the number of commercial salmon licences, by category, issued in each of the last five years are being compiled by the boards and will be forwarded to the Deputy within one week.

The central board also advises that the following is the total declared commercial catch of salmon in each of the last five years.

Number of salmon (000s)

1995	258
1996	207
1997	174
1998	198
1999	145

During the five year period the total declared commercial catch has declined from 258,000 to 145,000 which is a percentage decrease of some 44%. Over the same period the total catch of salmon by all fishing engines, including rod and line, declined from 314,000 in 1995 to 180,000 in 1999 which is a percentage decrease of some 43%.

There is a wide range of salmon conservation measures currently in place dealing with the length of the open season, times of fishing and fishing methods. These measures will be maintained in view of the vulnerable state of the salmon stocks.

The National Salmon Commission will assist and advise me on future salmon management and conservation strategies. I have asked the commission to provide me with analysis and advice on a range of key priorities relating to the conservation of the national salmon resource. The salmon tagging programme and the national fish counter programme will provide the statistical base which will inform future decisions.