Measures aimed at preserving Ireland’s stocks of wild salmon have been approved by the Minster of the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey.
New quotas were agreed by the National Salmon Commission yesterday following proposals put forward by the Central Regional Fisheries Board, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Marine Institute.
The quotas are based on a calculation of the average national catch over the past five years. Four categories have been introduced allowing for specified areas to be fished at levels ranging from the equivalent of the average of the past five years to 15 per cent below the average.
Anglers are currently subject to a "bag limit" of one Spring salmon per angler per day.
Mr Fahey said the proposals "balanced the need for radical conservation measures while maintaining a viable fishery for coastal communities and sporting opportunities for recreational anglers".