Written answers

Wednesday, 29 June 2005

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

10:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the strength of the Atlantic salmon stock; the number of Atlantic salmon caught and notified officially for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23122/05]

Photo of Pat GallagherPat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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According to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme fisheries statistics reports, which are published annually by the Central Fisheries Board, the number of Atlantic salmon caught and notified to the fisheries boards for each of the past ten years is set out in the table.

Year Numbers
1995 270,269
1996 229,529
1997 205,553
1998 240,014
1999 189,143
2000 236,448
2001 259,475
2002 236,307
2003 187,762
2004 169,808

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.

The Government believes that the current strategy of developing a sustainable commercial and recreational salmon fishery through aligning catches on the scientific advice holds out the strong prospect of a recovery of stocks and of a long-term sustainable fishery for both sectors.

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