Opposing sides in the wild salmon management debate reached a temporary consensus yesterday in a general criticism of the Government's independent report.
Commercial catchers represented by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO) and the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation (IS&WFO) expressed disappointment at the driftnet ban recommendation, and said the review group had been "hobbled from the outset" due to restricted terms of reference.
The Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers described as "mind boggling" the review group's recommendation that rivers with low stock levels in the south and east should be closed, and said this was introduced to "appease" the commercial sector. Smokers of wild Irish salmon also said their industry would collapse if a driftnet ban is imposed next season.
The IFPO said the findings would "suit most of the political parties whose policies in relation to this issue are based on simplistic half-truths and a well-spun public relations machine against commercial fishing".
The report's finding that stock status couldn't be ascertained in most rivers was also a "stinging indictment of the Marine Institute, and the failure to extend the system of fish counters from all but a handful of rivers," it said. A €30 million compensation package would offer "cold comfort" and would soon be dissipated among small scale coastal communities.
The IS&WFO said it had proposed a voluntary buy-out of licences as part of an alternative management and research strategy, and it was also disappointed with the group's valuation of the existing fishery. Banning driftnetting for salmon would also create a "new set of problems" in increasing pressure on inshore stocks such as crab and lobster, it said. Some 25 per cent of the inshore fleet, at about 300 to 350 vessels, are estimated to be involved in driftnetting.
Wild salmon smokers represented by the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters' Association (IFPEA) have appealed for a limited driftnet fishery to continue in areas of healthy stock levels, to prevent the total collapse of a trade worth €10 million annually - some €5 million of which goes to fishermen. The reputation of premium wild Irish salmon had opened markets for other high value Irish seafood products, the IFPEA pointed out.
The federation representing anglers noted that no decision had as yet been taken by Government, but said the findings were disappointing.
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