Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when snap net salmon fishing will be allowed on the River Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25878/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the taking 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. Details of the rivers which are open in 2010 can be found in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2009 (SI No. 557 2009).

In order to permit the taking of salmon, the stock has to be shown to exceed the required number of spawners arriving into the river. The River Suir (including Clodiagh and Lingaun waters) has been assessed as being below its conservation limit by the Standing Scientific Committee. Accordingly no mortality by the taking of salmon is permissible in the river Suir and it remains closed during the 2010 season. The status of the stocks of salmon rivers is reviewed annually. If the stocks improve as a result of the ongoing conservation effort, as was the case in the River Nore in 2009, for example, it may be possible to permit the taking of salmon in the future.