Minister O'Dowd - There is no proposal for the extension of the salmon draft netting season

Press release 27 March 2012

Minister for Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd, has confirmed that there is no proposal for the extension of the salmon draft netting (estuary nets) season.

Minister O’Dowd emphasised that conservation and management of salmon and sea trout is key to protecting our valuable natural resources. “Recent reports that the commercial season will be extended in certain rivers are untrue and I can confirm that for the 2012 season, the commercial fishing season remains as it was in all areas, with the River Suir still on a reduced season for snap fishing. I am aware that confusion can arise due to the necessary extent of regulations in place. However, I am not considering any proposal for the extension of the commercial season. Inland Fisheries Ireland enforce the Fisheries legislation, which is extensive. IFI has offices throughout the country where advice can be sought. There is also a comprehensive and regularly updated website and information is also disseminated on Facebook and Twitter.” said the Minister.

IFI Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ciaran Byrne, explained that the legislative code is regularly updated to ensure that our fisheries continue to be protected on the basis of information from IFI’s Standing Scientific Committee and IFI Management advice. “Only rivers with exploitable surpluses are open during the spring season and no fishery is open for commercial exploitation during this time. Fisheries that are classified catch and release or closed for salmon are now protected under bye-law 897 which prohibits the use of worms and the use of any fish hooks other than single barbless hooks. IFI’s priorities are maximising the return to Ireland, protecting sustainable jobs in isolated rural communities and promoting our wonderful angling resources.” said Dr Byrne.

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