Proposals for a widespread ban on drift-net fishing for salmon in Ireland have been welcomed by the European Commission (EC).
The Independent Salmon Group (ISG) was established by the Government to advise on policy to address dwindling salmon stocks and measures to make Ireland compliant with the EU Habitats Directive.
Yesterday, it recommended a complete ban on drift-netting for salmon at sea and a ban on angling for salmon in several rivers in the east and southeast.
Drift-netting catches high numbers of salmon bound for spawning rivers thereby severely curtailing stock replenishment.
The Commission has threatened Ireland with legal action for allowing drift-net fishing at sea and today its director of representation in Ireland, Martin Territt expressed the hope that "Ireland will now take steps to fully comply with the Habitats Directive".
The broad aim of the directive is to preserve and rejuvenate the natural environment and maritime industry and regards sustainable fishing as central to the future of coastal communities in particular.
"Maritime Policy for the EU makes it clear that the maritime environment is a shared one and that its management must be shared and coordinated in the interests of all who live in coastal communities," Mr Territt said.
The ISG recommended a complete ban on drift-netting for mixed stock at sea and a ban on angling for salmon in rivers including the Liffey, the Boyne, the Barrow, the Nore and the Suir.
It warned of a "catastrophic decline of Irish salmon stocks" and also recommended a compensation fund for commercial fishermen of €30 million.
The report was brought to Cabinet yesterday by Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey and a Government response is expected in a matter of weeks.
Green Party marine spokesman Eamon Ryan said if the Government adopt the proposals it would help preserve commercial fishing into the future and welcomed the proposal for a compensation fund.
Mr Ryan said: "The fact that the commercial catch halved over the last five years shows the scale of the crisis we face.
"An end of drift netting could actually help ensure a more long-term livelihood for commercial fishermen, who will still be able to operate in rivers and estuaries where stocks are above conservation limits."
He added that drift netting is not solely responsible for the decline in salmon stock but other measures were reliant on implementation of a ban.
The Labour Party's marine spokesman Tommy Broughan said he expected the Cabinet would approve the recommendations.
However, he expressed concern about the formula proposed for calculating compensation saying it may be "scant return to hard-pressed communities facing additional hardship".
Stop Now, a group campaigning for an end to drift-net fishing of salmon since 2004 also reacted positively.
Spokesman Bob Wimms urged the Government to act on the recommendation that it compulsorily buy out all drift-nets.
"We would urge the Government to accept this independent advice and introduce a complete ban on drift-netting in 2007. It is clear from this report, and other scientific evidence, that anything less will not halt the perilous decline in salmon stocks," Mr Wimms added.