Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that a proposed culling of pike at Lough Sheelin by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is in the best interest of promoting angling as a tourist pursuit here, specifically in the north east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11515/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board has advised me that since its establishment in 1980 it has directly managed seven lakes out of the 1000 lakes in its Region as Brown Trout Fisheries, one of which is Lough Sheelin. These fisheries, which include some of Europe's most productive wild brown trout, have been managed on the best scientific advice available.

The scientific advice has recommended the removal of pike from these lakes, as there is compelling evidence that pike predate heavily on brown trout reducing their stocks significantly. While all of the pike in the early 1980s were killed on removal, changes were introduced in the 1990s, which saw many of the pike moved alive to more suitable lakes, where they contributed to the angling in those waters.

The Board seeks to remove pike in as healthy a condition as possible and transfer them to other pike waters, however some are killed in the process. The Board has also advised that there are numerous locations within the Shannon Region where pike angling is available and where pike culling does not take place. The Board actively promotes these waters to local and visiting anglers. These waters include Lough Derravaragh which is only a short distance from Lough Sheelin.

This programme will not reduce the opportunities for pike angling by tourists or local anglers in the Shannon Region and will improve the opportunities for wild brown trout angling at Lough Sheelin.