John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 449: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that salmon anglers have had a representative from their sector appointed to the new National Fisheries Board; and when he expects the board to come into operation. [25575/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Inland Fisheries Act 2010 which was recently enacted provides the statutory basis for the establishment of a new national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. An Order has been made under the Act which designates the 1 July 2010 as the establishment day for the purposes of the Act and therefore the day on which Inland Fisheries Ireland will come into operation.

From the outset I have maintained that the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland should be small and contain a strong focus relevant to its business and to the general issue of good corporate governance. The Act provides that potential appointees to the Board must have had experience of or have shown capacity in one or more of a number of areas. These areas include, inter alia, recreational fisheries, commercial fishing, business or commercial affairs and environmental or biodiversity matters. The Bill does not restrict potential appointees to a particular area of expertise.

During the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas I announced details of a number of nominations to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland. I can confirm that of those proposed to be appointed, there are individuals with experience of or who have shown capacity in recreational fisheries. The formal appointments to the Board will not be made until 1 July 2010.

John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 450: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will explain the recent realignment of the draft netting season on the River Feale, thereby allowing draft netting up to 20 August 2010; and if he will confirm that scientific advice available supported this decision. [25576/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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.

Under the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 557 of 2009), the River Feale, including the waters of the Galey and Brick, has a total allowable catch of 4,652 and the allocation of the quota between the commercial and recreational sectors is made by the CEO of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board on the advice of the local Fishery District Committee.

The commercial (draft net) season on the Feale traditionally commenced on 12 May and ended on 31 July. On foot of a request received from the CEO of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, I provided for an adjustment of the season to 1 June 2010 to 20 August 2010 under the Salmon and Trout Conservation (Draft Nets and Snap Nets) Bye-law No. 872, 2010. Regardless of the adjustments provided to the draft net season on the Feale, the harvest of salmon by any means is restricted to its Total Allowable Catch of 4,652 for 2010.