Commercial salmon fishing and stocks
Gallagher questioned the damage caused by commercial salmon fishing, especially on rivers such as the Moy, and sought tighter controls. The Minister said fisheries face legal catch limits and conservation measures, and that he was reviewing whether further changes were needed; he acknowledged concerns about damage beyond Irish waters as well.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has examined the present position in relation to the damage being caused to salmon stocks by commercial fishing of our rivers; if he has any plans to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
: As commercial salmon fishing is in general prohibited in the freshwater portions of rivers, I assume that the question refers to commercial fishing for salmon in tidal waters of rivers and their estuaries. While I am concerned about the overall level of commercial salmon fishing I am not convinced that such fishing in tidal and estuarine waters is in itself a serious threat to our salmon stocks. I am, however, examining at present the various statutory salmon conservation measures in operation and will decide shortly whether changes are necessary so as to ensure the conservation and rational exploitation of our valuable salmon fishery.
Comment on this
: The question relates to fishing in our rivers. Would the Minister agree that a lot of damage is done to stocks by commercial fishing? For example, in the Minister's own town, Ballina, there is the Moy fishing company. We constantly hear of the damage done by drift net fishermen but such companies have a free hand and are not restricted in any way by regulations.
Comment on this
: That is not true. They are restricted by law to a maximum catch. Various laws and by-laws have been made by Ministers under the fishery Acts and these impose stringent measures to conserve salmon stocks. If the Deputy wishes I will outline a long list of these restrictions.
Comment on this
: Would the Minister accept that with the sophisticated gear used in hauling in salmon in rivers such as the Moy there is no escape for the fish? Will he look at the question of this kind of fishing in our rivers?
Comment on this
: That is being looked into at present. The current policy in the Department is to allow reasonable fishing consistent with arrangements for adequate conservation measures. If this two pronged approach is applied the fisheries will benefit.
Comment on this
: I agree, but it is not my fault that we have reached the present level in relation to salmon fisheries.
