Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 257: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 19 April 2012 (details supplied) regarding the fish counter which was placed on the River Maine if he will explain the figures given; if he will further explain the numbers in relation to May and June 2011; and if he will have the matter investigated. [22779/12]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The figures given in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 130 are the actual figures recorded by the counter and are not adjusted for periods when the counter was not operational due to flood and storm damage – hence very low or zero number of fish recorded by the counter in July, August and November, 2011. There are four channels in the fish counter in the river through which fish can pass and be counted. Two of these have already been completely refurbished in 2012 and the other two will be completed before the end of the month of May weather permitting – this will enable a full count to be achieved in the river for the majority of the salmon run in 2012.

River salmon tend to move upstream and later drop back only to again move upstream to spawn – hence in some months as many fish can go up as well as down relative to water conditions at the time – this was evident in May and June.

In calculating the runs of salmon in a river where certain months are missing – average figures from the same month from prior years are used, together with the expert knowledge of fisheries officers and scientists. In the case of the River Maine, it was noted by experienced fishery officers that in the winter of 2011/2012 the number of spawning fish observed in the river was extremely disappointing. This reflected the view that the run of salmon in the river in 2011 was down on previous years. This was especially evident on the Brown Flesk, which has seen a drastic fall in redds (salmon spawning beds) from hundreds in previous years to 46 in the 09/10 winter season. Due to high water levels in the winter of 2011/2012 the counting of redds was extremely difficult. If the Deputy wishes, I can arrange for Inland Fisheries Ireland to meet him to discuss this matter further.