Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

According to Fáilte Ireland data, there were 83,000 visits to Ireland in 2003, where those visits were determined by angling. This compares with 56,000 in 2002 and 95,000 in 2001. I understand that salmon anglers may represent some 21% of these visitors. In the same period, I am advised that the number of salmon angling licences sold in 2003 was 31,827, a decrease of 9% compared to 35,024 in 2002. In 2001, 32,814 licences were sold. I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that the latest wild salmon statistics for catch by rod and line relate to 2003 and indicate that the number of salmon and sea trout caught over the same period by anglers has increased by 18% from 27,184 in 2001 to 30,872 in 2002 and 32,017 in 2003. Consequently the catch per unit effort has increased and so the effect of salmon conservation measures introduced in recent years do not appear to have adversely impacted on the prospects for salmon anglers, whether domestic or tourist.

The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards devote considerable effort and resources, in collaboration with Tourism Ireland, to the promotion of angling abroad. I am advised, however, that the overall decline in angling tourism is not unique to Ireland but reflects a trend which is widespread in Europe. The report of the tourism policy review group to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in September 2003 observes a decline in activity holidays which is not confined to angling but includes cycling and hill walking.

Since 2002, the Government has implemented a strategy to ensure, through progressive reductions in the commercial catch, that the conservation limits specified by the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission are being reached. This policy of promoting the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling has delivered significant overall catch reductions aimed at achieving the objective of restoration of salmon stocks.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

In September last year, my predecessor accepted the advice that immediate measures were necessary to reduce angling exploitation so as to ensure an increased survival level for spawning purposes during the remainder of the year. Measures governing the operation of salmon angling for the remainder of the 2004 season reduced the daily permissible catch limit from 1 September.

This proposal by the National Salmon Commission delivered a practical mechanism to effect the protection of salmon stocks while acknowledging the important role angling plays in attracting tourists to Ireland. The recommendation made by the salmon commission was also aimed at affording the continuation of the season for tourism angling into September but at the same time minimising the impact on our valuable wild salmon stocks. The relevant State agencies were asked to closely monitor the salmon stocks in the intervening months. The previous Minister also directed the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, the Marine Institute and BIM to liaise with the National Salmon Commission in completing a full review of the 2004 season so as to allow the necessary adjustment to planning for the regulation of the 2005 season.

While I await their recommendations and the views of the National Salmon Commission, I am sure they will take cognisance of the likely impact of measures on angling tourism and aim to minimise their impact for the coming season.

See this speech in context