Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the restocking of freshwater fish continues on an ongoing basis; the degree of this work annually over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33808/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFish stocking is primarily a matter for fishery owners. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has developed and published policy guidelines to which persons undertaking this activity are expected to comply. These guidelines are designed to ensure compatibility with obligations of EU and National legislation and the principles of International Organisations to which Ireland is a party. In addition stocking policy is designed, where required, to preserve genetic integrity and to guard against the potential transfer of pathogens. IFI currently manages fish farm operations to support some elements of the angling sector with brown trout and rainbow trout for stocking into a relatively small number of fisheries. Details of the fish stocked are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Fish Stocked |
|
2011 |
173,217 |
|
2012 |
165,465 |
|
2013 |
164,725 |
|
2014 |
120,330 |
|
2015 |
116,346 |
|
2016 |
123,633 |
|
2017 |
118,361 |
|
2018 |
112,165 |
|
2019 |
106,471 |
|
2020 |
90,165 |
Provision and sale of fish to these customers, involves significant movement and travel and in 2020 these activities have been subject to prevailing Public Health Advice associated with Covid-19.
The guidelines referred to above are available at the following link https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/documents/620-ifi-fish-stocking-guidance-document.html.
