Vol. 524 No. 5
176 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the changes in regulations governing draft net salmon fishing on the Erne estuary for 2000-2001, including the opening and closing date for the season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22897/00]
Draft net salmon fishing in the Erne Estuary in 2000 is regulated by way of the Salmon and Trout Conservation Bye-law No. 766, 2000. The fishing season opened on 1 July and closed on 31 July during which period fishing was allowed four days per week and 24 hours per day.
Salmon stocks remain vulnerable and I propose to maintain all the conservation measures currently in place. It remains the case that where commercial netsmen and anglers working with the regional fisheries boards can agree a management plan for specific areas, the possibility of altering the season in those areas will be reviewed in consultation with the National Salmon Commission.
