Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 March 2005
154 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recommendation of the National Salmon Commission that salmon drift net fishermen be allowed to continue drift net fishing, which is threatening salmon stocks; the proposed quota for 2005 for drift net fishermen; the proposed quota for rod anglers; the areas in which no salmon may be caught; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7269/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI rely upon the advice of the National Salmon Commission and the regional fisheries boards' managers in determining the terms of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme which, inter alia, sets out district quotas for the commercial catch and the conservation of salmon and sea trout bye-law which provides for angling bag limits and total allowable catch.
I met the National Salmon Commission on 22 February last, in the course of its meeting at which it was considering the scientific and management advice available with a view to making recommendations on the management of the wild salmon fishery in 2005. The commission had not completed its discussions at that time.
Once I have received the detailed recommendations from the commission, the Department's officials will proceed to finalise the draft regulations to give effect to any proposed adjustments.
It is my intention to publish the draft wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations for a 30-day consultation period later this month, in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Acts. During this time, interested parties will have an opportunity to submit any objections they may have. Following the receipt and consideration of these, I will then make a final decision on the scheme.
