Written answers

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

10:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason anglers in the Haure system, County Kerry are being treated in a different manner to anglers in the Feale system, County Limerick in relation to allocation of salmon tags up to 12 May 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12830/07]

Photo of John BrowneJohn Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I presume the Deputy's question refers to the river Laune in County Kerry. As the Deputy is aware, the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No. 814, 2006, which came into operation on 1 st January 2007, provides for an annual bag limit of 10 fish for 2007 subject to a season bag limit of one fish during the period 1 st March to 12th May in those rivers open for salmon fishing this year.

On the recommendation of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, along with advice obtained from the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission following a review of the available scientific data, I amended the bye law in respect of the river Feale.

I am advised by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board that, according to the available scientific data, there is a surplus of 971 spring fish available in the river Laune for 2007. However, this surplus may be over-exploited by commercial fishermen and anglers in the absence of a definite quota for spring salmon in 2007.

Since the primary management objective for 2007 is the conservation of salmon stocks, the precautionary approach dictates that additional risk should not be taken. I am considering the recommendation of the regional board in the context of additional advice to be obtained independent of the board. I will make a decision on this matter as soon as possible.

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