Minister of State Seán Power has approved a suite of regulations and bylaws that will govern the wild salmon fishery in 2009 and which will come into effect from this Thursday, 1 January 2009.
Following receipt of management advice based on the scientific analysis on current Irish salmon stock levels, the following changes are being introduced:
- Safety days have been removed and in their stead the commercial season will be adjusted to allow commercial fishing on 5 days of the week in the month of July compared to 4 previously.
- The distribution of tags to anglers by the relevant regional fisheries board will be in lots of 3 or 4 subject to the maximum of 10 tags per licence holder for the entire season.
Commenting today, Minister Power said ' Worryingly, scientific analysis shows that Irish marine survival indices are at their lowest since records began in the 1980s. Consequently, a total allowable catch is to be permitted for 45 rivers in 2009, which is 11 fewer compared to last year. This reflects the fact that indices are down in 2008, some quite significantly.
I have also introduced changes in the distribution of tags which are designed primarily to deliver better compliance and control of the tagging scheme, as well as allowing real time feedback on how the harvest of salmon is progressing to ensure that the surplus is not exceeded. They will also lead to greater efficiencies in the purchasing and allocation of tags.'
Rivers that were open for angling on catch and release basis in 2008 will be closed in 2009. These are the Slaney (Wexford), Carhan, Ferta and Behy (Kerry); and L. Na Furnace (Connemara).
With the exception of a number of systems (notably the Corrib and Ballysadare), nearly all indices in 2008 are down with some significant drops. Improvements have been detected in the stocks of the rivers Nore (Waterford); Glengarriff, to Argideen and Owvane (Cork); Inney (Kerry) and Gweedore (Crolly River Donegal).
Full details of the regulations can be found at: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Inland+Fisheries+and+Marine+Research/Conservation+Measures+for+the+Management+of+the+of+the+Wild+Salmon+and+Sea+Trout+Fishery+in+2009.htm
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Press Office
Department of Communications, Energy &
Natural Resources
T: 6782441 / 0879349295
E.mail: press.office@dcenr.gov.ie