Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2015. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason tags for salmon are expensive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32422/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no charge for the issuing of tags under the annual Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations which facilitates the management of Ireland's wild salmon and sea trout fisheries by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Commercial fisherman and anglers are required to pay an annual licence fee. The level of fees is considered annually and normally would reflect movement in the Consumer Price Index. However, in view of the prevailing economic conditions, a reduction in fees for draft net commercial licences was introduced for the 2010 fishing season. These reduced levels have been maintained by me as Minister.
The Regulations are revised each year taking account of advice from IFI, annual stock assessments by the supporting Standing Scientific Committee and any submissions received during a 30 day statutory public consultation period. Individual consideration is given to each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers (including river sections and estuaries) which each have a genetically unique stock of salmon.
The Regulations provide for the quotas of fish (surplus to the conservation limit) that can be harvested either commercially or by rod and line from each river, including the river referred to by the Deputy, which are open to harvest.
The local Fishery District Committee, which includes representatives of commercial fishermen and rod anglers, meets each year to discuss and advise on the division of the surplus of salmon between the commercial fishermen and rod anglers.
For the current season a total surplus of 658 salmon is available of which by local arrangement, 428 fish (65% of the total) is the share available to commercial fishermen. The share available to commercial fishermen in the previous season was 572 salmon (60% of the total)
I would advise that the practice, alluded to in the question, of the post-capture release of smaller fish is not conducive to best conservation practice. I am advised that the survival potential of salmon released following their capture in commercial nets may be significantly compromised and is likely to lead to additional mortality and a detrimental impact on the fish stocks.
