Woods says salmon a priority

A strategic review of the aquaculture industry has been commissioned by the Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Hugh Byrne. The Circa group of consultants has been appointed and a steering group set up. The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Dr Woods, said yesterday that a commission on wild salmon stock management would begin work early next year. The commission was one of the main recommendations of the 1996 salmon task force.

A sum of £750,000 has been allocated for the first salmon tagging and quota scheme, as part of conservation and research measures. The Minister also allocated £200,000 last week for work on pilot projects to reduce netting. Dr Woods emphasised that salmon conservation measures would be a priority next year. He said these might need to be "strengthened, with a particular focus on restoration of spring salmon stocks as a priority".