Written answers

Tuesday, 30 May 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

8:00 pm

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the consultation process that is planned for the three person working group he has established to investigate the future of commercial drift netting for salmon; the administration system which has been established to assist this work; and the proposed timetable for the presentation of the groups recommendations and the implementation of a new salmon management regime. [21059/06]

Photo of John BrowneJohn Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from my undertaking to follow the recommendations of the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission to fully align the management of the fishery with their scientific advice for 2007, I established the Independent Group, to which the Deputy refers, to examine the implications for the commercial sector in 2007 and beyond.

The Group will make recommendations on the options available to address any financial hardship arising for individuals involved in commercial salmon fishing from full compliance with the scientific advice for 2007.

The specific remit of the Group requires them to:

∙Advise the Government of the implications of fully aligning with the scientific advice and in particular the hardship that may arise for individuals in coastal communities.

∙Make recommendations, if appropriate, to address any financial hardship experienced.

∙Consider the extent to which those stakeholders, who would be the main economic beneficiaries of more salmon being returned to the rivers, should contribute to any scheme, whether in cash or in kind including improved tourist access, and to

∙Determine the implications for the angling sector.

The Group will be expected to draw on the reports already generated through the National Salmon Commission, by the National Fisheries Managers Executive and the Standing Scientific Committee and engage in appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders. I understand that the group recently placed advertisements in the media inviting submissions from interested parties. The closing date for submissions is 30th June 2006.

The independent group is expected to present its report to me in September 2006. Secretariat support for the group is being provided by Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

In addition to receiving the report of the group, I expect to receive advice from the National Salmon Commission's Standing Scientific Committee and the National Fisheries Managers Executive in November on which decisions for management of the fishery in 2007 will be made prior to the commencement of the fishing season.

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