Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2007
365 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the future of the snap net fishery on the River Suir; the proposals that have been made to fishermen on that river; and the way the introduction of single stock management will impact on the livelihood of fishing communities along the River Suir. [7364/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission has advised that stocks of salmon in the River Suir are below its conservation limit. For this reason, the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No. 2) Regulations 2006 do not identify a surplus of fish available for harvest in 2007.
During 2007 fish stock assessment studies will be undertaken in order to forecast the position for 2008 and beyond. I am aware that the Southern Regional Fisheries Board has received a proposal from snap net fishermen representatives to participate in scientific research efforts and this offer is being considered at the moment.
The Regional Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute will monitor the stocks in developing a management plan for the River Suir with a view to identifying the extent of the recovery, if any, arising from the cessation of the mixed stock commercial fishery and any stock rehabilitation works undertaken.
In the future event that stocks recover in each of the rivers of the Waterford Estuary, and it is established from the results of the Genetic Stock Identification Project that significant numbers of fish destined for other rivers are not intercepted within the rivers and estuary, it should be possible to exploit the identified surplus by all methods (including snap-nets) but within the constraints permitted by the Habitats Directive as transposed by the European Communities (National Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997).
The Government has put in place a Hardship Fund for those affected by the compulsory cessation of indiscriminate mixed stock salmon fishing at sea. This will be available to snap net fishermen on the River Suir who held a licence for the 2006 season. Details of the scheme are being finalised at present and will be advertised in the national press in the near future.
366 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made by his Department to resolve problems caused by outfall pipes installed by South Tipperary County Council for fisheries along the River Suir near Carrick-on-Suir; and if a satisfactory conclusion was reached on the matter in discussions between his Department and South Tipperary County Council. [7365/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing representations made by snap-net fishermen, who operate on the River Suir, regarding the positioning of outfall diffusers on the river and their possible effects on fishing, my predecessor, Minister of State Gallagher, met representatives of the fishermen on 3 June 2005. The concerns expressed related to the diffusers, which were installed by South Tipperary Council as part of the Carrick-on-Suir Sewerage Scheme. However, the Department's Engineering Division, having assessed the situation, found the effects on fishing of the wastewater treatment outfall diffusers to be localised and minor.
