Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which wild trout and salmon stocks are encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14596/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Inland Fisheries Ireland, (IFI) is the statutory agency responsible for the conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource and recreational sea angling. It has also a remit to promote the inland fisheries and sea angling resource.

I am advised by IFI that a comprehensive and wide-ranging array of measures is implemented aimed at the conservation, protection and development of wild salmon and trout stocks. The principal measures implemented by IFI include:

- Education programmes

- Development and enforcement of regulations, bye-laws and primary legislation:

- Aimed at the protection of stocks from illegal fishing

- Aimed at the protection of stocks from environmental pollution

- Promotion of catch and release angling

- Applied research to support management, conservation and enhancement of salmonoid stocks:

- Including genetic identification of stocks to native catchments

- Standing Scientific Committee annual advice on the status of salmon stocks by catchment

- Supporting the restoration of salmonoid habitat

- Monitoring of fish stock levels and the quality of their environment

- Promotion of sustainable angling nationally and internationally

- Development of national policies for brown trout and salmon

- Protecting wild salmonoids from the threat of invasive species

- Provision of advice to State Agencies and stakeholders in relation to sustainable ‘fish friendly’ development.

In the time available and within the constraints of replying to this question it is not possible to expand with full details as regards the implementation of these and other measures.

However IFI advises that they are happy to prepare a full written account for the Deputy setting out the detail of these measures, which will issue to him as soon as possible. Alternatively, if the Deputy would prefer, IFI would be happy to organise a briefing session in relation to their activities on the enhancement of wild salmon and trout stocks.