Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
514 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is concerned about salmon poaching in inland rivers; the measures that are taken to ensure quotas allocated to landowners are adhered to; the measures taken to ensure quotas allocated to anglers are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraSalmon quotas are allocated only in respect of individual rivers which are above their predetermined conservation limit and are based on annual scientific advice. Allocations are made to two separate groups; commercial fishermen and recreational anglers (including domestic and tourist anglers) based on consultation within the local Fishery District Committees comprised of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) representatives and local stakeholders.
These quotas are strictly controlled and enforced by IFI. Essentially any fish landed from an agreed allocation must be recorded by means of a unique numbered and colour coded tag. Tagging is an important element in the battle against poaching via helping to enforce the conditions under which wild salmon can be legally caught or offered for sale.
Salmon caught by anglers are marked with a blue tag and it is illegal to offer a fish bearing a blue tag for sale.
A commercially caught whole salmon is tagged with green, white or orange tag (to indicate fishing method), which is uniquely numbered to assist traceability. Salmon tagged in these categories may only be offered for sale by fishermen or dealers who are specifically licensed.
IFI takes very seriously its obligation to safeguard wild stocks in line with conservation imperatives and invests very significant time and resources protecting the wild salmon stock in rivers and along our coast. I am satisfied that they are doing all that is possible to reduce illegal fishing, protect the resource and to ensuring that the commercial and recreational fishermen adhere to their licensing conditions.
If members of the public suspect that illegal fishing is taking place they should advice IFI via the poaching and pollution hotline 1890-347424 and report suspected incidents.
