Menu
12/12/2012
Salmon Conservation Outlined Ahead Of Fishing Season
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has outlined Northern Ireland’s plans for the conservation of salmon stocks.
Ahead of the forthcoming salmon season, the minister has made a statement to the Assembly on measures she will be introducing.
She said: "My Department has consulted widely on salmon conservation and there is a ground swell of opinion among all stakeholders, that additional measures need to be taken to support wild salmon stocks. The changes I am announcing today positively respond to the challenges facing the future of salmon stocks.
"Salmon is an iconic species and we must take all reasonable steps to protect its future whilst also ensuring that angling continues as a past time and tourism draw."
Scientists have confirmed stocks of wild Atlantic are depleting at sea in significant numbers.
Monitoring carried out at the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Bushmills Salmon Station shows a decline in salmon returning to the River Bush from around 30% prior to 1997 to less than 5% today.
Ms Ní Chuilín said: "For the 2013 fishing season there will be a continuation and enhancement, by further restricting the issue of carcass tags of the current voluntary conservation measures, to protect wild salmon, including catch and release for recreational anglers and no commercial netting of salmon.
"This will allow me to bring forward legislation for the cessation of commercial salmon fishing and introduce mandatory catch and release for recreational anglers with effect from the 2014 season.
"I believe that the measures are fair, balanced, enforceable and essential in conserving and protecting this iconic species now and for future generations. This approach will position the North at the forefront of salmon conservation policy."
The additional conservation methods will also apply to sea trout, as it is included in the definition of salmon in the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966.
(IT)
Ahead of the forthcoming salmon season, the minister has made a statement to the Assembly on measures she will be introducing.
She said: "My Department has consulted widely on salmon conservation and there is a ground swell of opinion among all stakeholders, that additional measures need to be taken to support wild salmon stocks. The changes I am announcing today positively respond to the challenges facing the future of salmon stocks.
"Salmon is an iconic species and we must take all reasonable steps to protect its future whilst also ensuring that angling continues as a past time and tourism draw."
Scientists have confirmed stocks of wild Atlantic are depleting at sea in significant numbers.
Monitoring carried out at the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Bushmills Salmon Station shows a decline in salmon returning to the River Bush from around 30% prior to 1997 to less than 5% today.
Ms Ní Chuilín said: "For the 2013 fishing season there will be a continuation and enhancement, by further restricting the issue of carcass tags of the current voluntary conservation measures, to protect wild salmon, including catch and release for recreational anglers and no commercial netting of salmon.
"This will allow me to bring forward legislation for the cessation of commercial salmon fishing and introduce mandatory catch and release for recreational anglers with effect from the 2014 season.
"I believe that the measures are fair, balanced, enforceable and essential in conserving and protecting this iconic species now and for future generations. This approach will position the North at the forefront of salmon conservation policy."
The additional conservation methods will also apply to sea trout, as it is included in the definition of salmon in the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966.
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
04 October 2002
Minister vows to restore salmon runs
Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today emphasised his determination to restore salmon runs in the River Bush. The Minister visited the River Bush Salmon Station where he viewed work being carried out to tackle the decline in the numbers of stock – a problem not confined to Northern Ireland.
Minister vows to restore salmon runs
Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today emphasised his determination to restore salmon runs in the River Bush. The Minister visited the River Bush Salmon Station where he viewed work being carried out to tackle the decline in the numbers of stock – a problem not confined to Northern Ireland.
08 July 2010
Ministers 'In The Swim' At Salmon Facility
Things were going swimmingly today in an 'away day' with a difference as Stormont Ministers visited the salmon research station in Bushmills. NI Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Minister Nelson McCausland and Environment Minister Edwin Poots were attending the annual River Bush Salmon Station Open Day.
Ministers 'In The Swim' At Salmon Facility
Things were going swimmingly today in an 'away day' with a difference as Stormont Ministers visited the salmon research station in Bushmills. NI Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Minister Nelson McCausland and Environment Minister Edwin Poots were attending the annual River Bush Salmon Station Open Day.
05 May 2004
Minister launches new fisheries protection vessel
Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Angela Smith today emphasised the importance of enforcing fisheries legislation to counter illegal exploitation of salmon stocks. The Minister was speaking in Ballycastle, where she was launching the new £150,000 Fisheries Conservation Board’s patrol vessel, the ‘Dun na Salar’.
Minister launches new fisheries protection vessel
Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Angela Smith today emphasised the importance of enforcing fisheries legislation to counter illegal exploitation of salmon stocks. The Minister was speaking in Ballycastle, where she was launching the new £150,000 Fisheries Conservation Board’s patrol vessel, the ‘Dun na Salar’.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
