Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
276. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to assist Cromane and Brandon fishermen in regard to the salmon conservation measures for 2026 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9351/26]
View answerThe continued decline in salmon stocks is of great concern to me. In their 2026 Catch Advice, TEGOS (the Technical Expert Group on Salmon) report that the number of wild salmon returning to Ireland has progressively declined from well over 1 million for much of the 1970s to under 200,000 in recent years.
Last week I announced a second public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations which set out the proposed conservation measures that will apply for 2026 season.
For the Kerry Fishery District, the main changes for the commercial fishery include closure of the Owenmore River and the opening of the River Ferta. The catch options for the remaining commercial fisheries are proposed to be as per 2025. Schedule 2 of the draft Regulation set out the quotas allocated to these rivers and, as per previous years, the split in quota between the angling and commercial net fishing sectors will be informed by the relevant Fishery District Committee. This Committee comprises representatives from commercial fishermen, salmon anglers, rated occupiers and an Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
It is also proposed that the commercial fishing season is realigned to commence on 1 June and ending on 31 July, in the interest of conserving spring fish (i.e. 2 Sea Winter and Multi Sea Winter fish) during their most vulnerable and biologically important period.
I would encourage all stakeholders, including commercial fishermen, to make a submission in response to the public consultation so that any concerns may be taken into consideration before the Regulations are finalised.
