Written By: Eamon Ryan TD
On Date: 15/2/2006
To heed scientific advice to end driftnetting. The Green Party has condemned the failure of the National Salmon Commission to heed the advice and recommendations of the standing scientific committee to end driftnetting at sea. Following the meeting yesterday of the National Salmon Commission Green Party Marine spokesperson Eamon Ryan TD said that, ”Yesterday’s refusal by the National Salmon Commission to support the advice of their standing scientific committee shows that nothing seems to be changing in Marine Policy despite the Ministerial musical chairs that occurred yesterday.
“The scientists recommended an end to driftnetting at sea and even angling catches on several rivers because salmon numbers are now at crisis levels. Rather than supporting their report the National Salmon Commission has simply forwarded a report from the National Fishery Management Executive to the Minister which fudges the issue and puts any decision on driftnetting back until after the next election."
“Former Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher consistently stated he would only start adhering to the scientific advice by 2007 but the new Minister John Browne TD now has a chance to change that policy. He needs to make an immediate statement as to what his intention is in this regard and the Green Party will be questioning him in the Dáil next week on whether he will be heeding the scientific advice or whether he will continue the current policy of obfuscation and denial.
“Unfortunately our experience with Deputy John Browne when he was former Minister of the Marine from 2002 to 2004 was that he failed to address the issue properly although the plight of the wild salmon at a that stage was abundantly clear,” concluded Deputy Ryan.
Information
Eamon Ryan TD
Greens condemn refusal of National Salmon Commission