Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

9:00 pm

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 922: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a fishing group (details supplied) in south Tipperary could be granted a licence to fish for at least one month in view of the increase in salmon stock on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/10]

Photo of Conor LenihanConor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The harvest of salmon by any means is permitted only in those rivers that are meeting their conservation limits and which have an identified surplus following appropriate assessment and scientific advice. Such rivers are specified in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2009 (SI No. 557 2009).

The Standing Scientific Committee, in their draft Report on the Status of Irish Salmon Stocks in 2009 and Precautionary Catch Advice for 2010, advised that stocks of salmon in the River Suir were below conservation limits. It is calculated that in 2010 the river Suir (including Clodiagh and Lingaun waters) will reach only 96% of its conservation limit. In order to permit a harvest of fish, the stock has to be shown to exceed the required number of spawners arriving into the river. The excess over 100% is determined as surplus and determines the total allowable catch. Accordingly, based on the management advice, no mortality of fish is permissible in the river Suir. This reflects the status of the stocks of the river this year, which are reviewed annually. If the stocks improve as a result of the ongoing conservation effort, as had occurred in the River Nore in 2009 for example, it may be possible to permit a harvest of fish in the future.

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