Vol. 577 No. 4
97 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends to announce details of the wild salmon commercial catch quota for 2004; and the timetable for the possible introduction of a buyout of existing commercial licences. [31382/03]
As I have already informed the Deputy in reply to a previous parliamentary question, I have no plans to introduce a buyout scheme for commercial wild salmon netting fishermen.
I am advised that the National Salmon Commission met on 3 December last to consider the catch statistics which have now been gathered by the central and regional fisheries boards under the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme for 2003. I understand that the commission also heard for the first time the latest advice from its standing scientific committee on the recommended conservation levels for the stock in 2004.
The chairman of the National Salmon Commission advises me that it is likely to be the end of January 2004 before the commission completes its review of the tagging scheme's operation in 2003 and finalises its recommendations, including the proposed commercial catch quotas, for the operation of the scheme in 2004. I assure the Deputy that I will consider these recommendations and publish any revisions to the regulations, in accordance with the statutory requirements, as soon as possible after they have been received from the salmon commission.
