James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the Fisheries Board activities in the past year to stock waterways in the Midlands with trench and bream, to support local fishermen and the tourism angling industry in the Midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16738/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that as part of the management of Lough Sheelin and surrounding rivers, IFI relocates fish from there, that are surplus to requirements, to other locations on an annual basis. In 2012 a total of 461 Tench, Bream and Roach/Bream hybrids were caught and relocated to the lakes in the Mohill area of County Leitrim. A similar scheme of work is currently taking place for 2013 although it is a little behind schedule due to the persistent cold temperatures that have continued well into April. However, it is anticipated that as this scheme continues in 2013 a further 450 fish consisting of Tench, Bream and Roach/Bream hybrids will be transferred to lakes in the Mohill area of County Leitrim.

Additionally over 6,000 small roach were caught and transferred from the lower section of the Ballyhealan River in the Lough Sheelin catchment to the Royal Canal in Dublin. All these transfers are subject to strict husbandry and biosecurity controls to ensure that no pathogens or alien species are spread or promoted as part of these activities.

It is important in managing the fishery that only those waterways which have a recognised surplus of coarse fish can contribute to stocking elsewhere and it is equally important that the area selected to receive surplus stock will benefit from the transfer.