Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the total allowable catch of salmon recommended by the National Fisheries Management Executive is almost 50% higher than that recommended by the standard scientific committee of the National Salmon Commission; if the recent trends in salmon catch indicate a serious decline in salmon stocks; his views on whether an invaluable national asset is being depleted by a lack of reliance on long-term scientific evidence to guide policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8565/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the divergence of advice this year from the National Fisheries Management Executive and the National Salmon Commission in respect of both the total allowable salmon catch and also the question of when full alignment with the scientific advice is to be achieved. I am advised that trends in the salmon catch are not singularly indicative of the health of the stock given the application of quotas since 2001 for both commercial and recreational caught fish under the tagging scheme. While it is appreciated that the scientific advice for 2005 is based on a revision of the methodology used in previous years and, therefore, results in a much lower proposed total allowable catch, TAC, than would otherwise have been the case, I am still strongly persuaded of the case to move to the national conservation limits sooner rather than later.

On 15 March 2005, I published draft wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations setting a national total allowable commercial catch of wild salmon and sea trout for 2005 at 139,900 fish, which is in line with the recommendations made by the National Salmon Commission. Under the Fisheries Acts, the draft regulations are available for a 30-day consultation period to allow interested parties an opportunity to submit any objections they may have. Following the receipt and consideration of these, I will make a final decision on the terms of the scheme.

The Government recognises that over-exploitation of salmon stocks is a significant threat to the long-term sustainability of this natural resource. In approaching this final decision, therefore, the implications for the health of the salmon resource of setting the national and district TACs at levels other than those recommended by the scientists will be carefully considered. In that context, I will continue to be guided by the fundamental principle adopted, and adhered to, by previous Ministers over the past three years, which is that the national TAC should be progressively aligned over that period on the scientific advice. The Government remains fully committed to this principle as the only sustainable and defensible way forward for salmon management in Ireland.