Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
126. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the use by anglers of replica dead baits and-or dead bait imitation lures is allowed under the recently signed Waterford Fisheries District, (River Barrow) Angling Limitations during Salmon Spawning Run Bye-Law No. 1011, 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44557/24]
View answerAs recently set out to the Deputy in my reply to Question 139 of 22 October 2024, the purpose of Waterford Fisheries District, (River Barrow) angling limitation during salmon spawning run Bye-Law No. 1011, 2024 is to prevent anglers catching pre-spawned salmon stocks during their migration to spawning grounds through the River Barrow system or returning kelts - during the months of January, October, November and December each year. Over a period of time, such fish have become the target of increased illegal fishing activity along this stretch of the River Barrow. Given the declining status of salmon generally and in the River Barrow in particular, it was critical that I made and introduced this byelaw as a necessary conservation, protection and management measure. This bye-law was introduced to afford an additional protection measure to salmon by prohibiting angling, other than angling with dead bait. It was deemed that dead baiting is unlikely to target accidental catching of salmon.
All artificial bait is prohibited under this Bye-law. Artificial or replica dead baits and dead bait imitation lures are designed as lures, and therefore, are prohibited as they may be attractive to salmon.
