Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reasons fishermen who use a traditional method of fishing that is unique to the area are being denied the right to fish the inner section of Inver Bay, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18821/11]

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the person who holds the title of ownership for the Inver Bay, Eaney Fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18822/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.

The operation of the fishery in question is governed by the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations (No. 2) of 2010 and the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout (Draft Nets and Snap Nets) Bye Law No. 882, 2011. I understand that the only licensed fishing engine for commercial salmon fishing for the Ballyshannon District (the River Eany/Inver Bay) is a draft net.

The fishery in Inver Bay harvests fish stocks from the River Eany. According to the scientific advice, its Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is limited to 194 fish in 2011, reflecting the deteriorating performance of the river's stock since 2007 when the TAC was 950 fish.

I am advised that ownership of the fishery is vested in Inland Fisheries Ireland, under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, which manages the fishery in accordance with the above mentioned statutory instruments.