Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the species of fish that may currently be harvested by driftnet on the River Fergus, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34959/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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No commercial fishing is permitted on the River Fergus, County Clare. In accordance with the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No 2) Regulations 2010 (SI No 665 of 2010) and the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout (Closed Rivers) Bye-law No. C.S. 306 of 2010, the river is closed to salmon and sea trout fishing during the 2011 season, given the status of stocks.

It is not expected that this will change for the 2012 season. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced a 30 day public consultation process on the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (No 2) Regulations 2011 and associated conservation measures, which will inform the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery for 2012, based on the scientific and management advice provided by Inland Fisheries Ireland. Details are available on my Department's website (http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Inland+Fisheries/).