John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 481: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will extend the brown and silver eel fishing season from 1 June to 30 August to 30 September, to allow fishermen in the south east who use baited pots and are subject to tides and who cannot fish until 15 June when they have their bait to have a viable eel fishing season; if he has had discussions in this regard with eel fishermen in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Following scientific research, conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the European Council introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation requires the Irish authorities to prepare a national Eel Management Plan by 31 December 2008 for implementation from 1 July 2009 at the latest.

Earlier this year, in light of the EU Regulation and the requisite changes that will need to be implemented in the eel fishery to protect and recover stocks, my Department invited proposals from the Fisheries Boards for appropriate conservation measures for introduction in 2008. Following consideration of the scientific and management advice, I introduced Conservation of Eel Fishing (Annual Close Season) Byelaw No 297, 2008 that restricts the length of the seasons. This bye-law is a national conservation measure and there are no plans to extend the season. The affected fishermen have been kept abreast of developments through the regional fisheries boards.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 483: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a licence is required and the cost of same in order to fish for rainbow trout in inland fishery lakes operated by regional authorities; if there has been a recent increase in fees; if concessions are available to the elderly, the young or the unwaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20666/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards.

No licence is currently required for rainbow trout fishing. There is a permit charge however, applied by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board for fishing the board's own stocked lakes. The determination of the level of the charge is a day-to-day operational matter for the fisheries board designed to contribute towards the cost of managing these facilities. I understand concessions are available.