DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
28 February 2012
Minister provides update on salmon conservation
Fisheries Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has provided an
update on the conservation of salmon stocks in waterways across the north.
The Minister said: "There is evidence that wild
Atlantic salmon are in serious decline, and face the very real threat of
extinction. We must all be focused on the need to save this iconic fish
species.
"Therefore, I must consider any activity which kills
wild salmon. This includes commercial salmon netting and recreational angling
which targets the fish.
"My officials have been in dialogue with the coastal
salmon nets men. The salmon nets men have proposed a number of measures
including voluntary cessation for this season. These discussions are
constructive and I have therefore deferred my decision on the licensing of
commercial salmon nets until the conclusion of this dialogue. I should also
emphasise that no net fishing is presently taking place – the season has not
commenced. We therefore have a window in which to engage and conclude an agreed
position with the nets men.”
The Minister also announced a Catch and Release Only
directive for those fishing in public angling estate waters.
"It is clear that all stakeholders must act to address
this issue – and angling removes as many, if not more, fish from the water than
commercial nets,” the Minister said.
"Therefore, in relation to recreational angling, we
must take the most robust measures we can within the existing legislation.”
Guidance will issued to anglers from DCAL directing
that all wild salmon caught in DCAL Public Angling Estate waters must be
released. The new policy is the latest measure to conserve salmon stocks in the
north. The catch and release rule is among the conditions anglers agree to
abide by when purchasing a Game Angling Permit.
"I reiterate that I am calling on all anglers not to
target salmon. Those that do are encouraged to use methods which are less
likely to harm the fish. Anglers should use fly only with single barbless hooks
to facilitate return of the salmon unharmed to the water, so giving the fish a
chance to spawn and rebuild the population.”
The Minister added: "As outlined previously, the weight
of scientific evidence and the threat of heavy EC infraction fines means the
continued exploitation of salmon – for commercial or leisure purposes – is
unsustainable.
"A wider consultation on Salmon conservation will begin
shortly as we look at ways of tackling this issue in the long term. However,
further actions will be required if salmon numbers continue to decline.
"This is a complex, emotive problem. I have heard
compelling arguments from all stakeholders. I hope those who have made their
voices heard through various outlets will engage constructively in this
consultation, and we can work together in addressing this issue.
"Alongside this, officials will continue to clamp down
on illegal fishing to ensure salmon have the best chance of survival.”