Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the threat of zebra mussels entering the State at point of entry on boats by anglers; if his Department is taking steps to prevent zebra mussels from entering the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11513/07]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps his Department will take to aid anglers to prevent zebra mussels spreading from one lake to another by angling boats within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11509/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

Under the Fisheries Acts, the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are primarily responsible for the management, conservation, protection, development and improvement of inland fisheries sector and I have been advised that they are actively targeting the threat that zebra mussels pose.

Illegal introductions and the translocation of zebra mussels from one water body to another have the potential to do serious damage.

Perhaps the most effective measures which can be enacted to curtail this are educational. People must be advised of the dangers associated with their actions.

The Fisheries Boards have produced leaflets which have been distributed to all relevant groups, and have published information on their web sites alerting the public, and anglers in particular, to the dangers associated with the zebra mussel.

The Fisheries Boards and some local authorities have erected notices alerting anglers and boat owners to the dangers associated with these species and provide advice on appropriate steps to take to control the spread.

The Fisheries Boards have recently participated with Galway County Council, the Western River Basin District and a third level institution on the production of a television programme highlighting the spread of unwelcome species which have appeared in Lough Corrib and other waters.

The Central Fisheries Board with support from Waterways Ireland, Galway County Council, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Office of Public Works and the Western Regional Fisheries Board published a calendar for 2007 advising the public of the need to halt the spread of non-native invasive species and this has been widely circulated.

The Boards will continue to develop and deliver appropriate programmes to tackle the zebra mussel problem.