Inland Fisheries Stocks

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Ceisteanna (1529)

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

1529. Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if staff in his Department or agents acting on his behalf carried out a survey of Lough Carra in County Mayo on foot of the European water directive during 2015; the result of the survey as it refers to fish counts, their species, diet and location; the number of trout killed by operatives in the course of the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32047/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I can confirm that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) carried out a survey of Lough Carra this year. I am advised by IFI that one of the purposes behind the survey was to provide fishery related inputs to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of its reporting obligations under the EU Water Framework Directive.

IFI have also confirmed that on completion of the field season (end October 2015), all fish sampled will be analysed by species in the IFI Laboratory to provide data including catch per unit effort (CPUE), biomass per unit effort (BPUE), age profiles, dietary analysis and other information. This analysis will result in the compilation of a detailed report.

I have asked IFI to provide a copy of the report directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.