Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if mono or multi-mono netting will be permitted for draft net salmon fishermen in view of the changes to conservation measures that are now in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12784/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the proposal to re-open the licensed commercial fishery in Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry.

In its recent report on the outcome of the pilot fishery conducted in the harbour during the summer of 2010, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) recommended that a licensed commercial fishery should be permitted in Castlemaine Harbour in 2011, inside the rivers Laune, Maine and Caragh and within specified areas of the harbour. IFI has, inter alia, recommended the use of multi-strand monofilament draft nets for fishing in this proposed fishery.

The use of multi strand monofilament nets was monitored as part of the Castlemaine pilot and having considered the findings IFI recommend that this method be used for the prosecution of a licensed fishery in the Harbour. I am advised that the catch advice provided by the Standing Scientific Committee has already factored in the precautionary approach and the fishery is constrained by quota and timing. Thus the management advice recommends that fishermen be permitted to use the most efficient methodology possible to harvest their quota of fish.

IFI recommend that even though all draft net fisheries are subject to quota and timing restrictions, the introduction of monofilament and multistrand monofilament nets should only be considered on a case by case basis and based on best scientific and management advice.

I propose, therefore, to introduce a Bye-law to provide for the opening of the Castlemaine Harbour fishery and to allow the use of multi-strand monofilament in fishing for salmon and sea trout, subject to the outcome of the 30 day consultation on the required amendment to the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2011.