Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 1018: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to provide counters in the Suir, More, Barrow and Munster Blackwater rivers in order that the salmon stocks can be scientifically assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2592/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I expect the Southern Regional Fisheries Board and the Marine Institute to consider the options for monitoring the changes in stocks arising from the adjustments in the salmon management regime introduced this year. I expect they will make recommendations with a view to ensuring that future management decisions are based on the best available information and to overcome the challenges presented for the installation of effective counters in large rivers.

In so far as real time monitoring and management of stocks is concerned, counters are only one method by which the assessment is made. Reliance is also placed on the expert analysis of catch data and surveys by fisheries officers and research officers of spawning areas, fish populations and habitat etc.