Campbell: Salmon Conservation is a priority for DCAL

Leisure Minister, Gregory Campbell has said that the conservation and protection of the Atlantic salmon is a priority for DCAL.

Minister Campbell said: “Salmon are an iconic species of fish which are a vital element of Northern Ireland's biodiversity. I am aware how strongly people feel that everything should be done to ensure salmon do not disappear from our waters.

“I am tasking my officials and their scientific advisers in the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute to come up with a suite of robust and effective measures, which will make a significant contribution in the drive to conserve salmon in the Fisheries Conservancy Board area of Northern Ireland.

“I will consult on the new measures before implementing final changes to the way we fish for salmon, both in rivers and commercially in the sea around Northern Ireland.”

The Minister concluded: “I am not proposing a ban on commercial salmon fishing, or similarly severe restrictions on angling at this stage. Rather, my advisers will be bringing forward proposals for restrictions which it is envisaged will make a significant contribution to ensuring the future of our salmon.”

DCAL is committed to its responsibilities to conserve and protect salmon and continues to develop policy for salmon and inland fisheries, in line with European legislation and the guidance issued by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.

Notes to Editors:

1. International scientific research has shown that Atlantic salmon populations are currently under threat. Numbers of salmon returning to many Northern Ireland rivers are too low to be sustainable. DCAL has a responsibility to conserve salmon by managing impacts such as angling, commercial fisheries and has undertaken significant work to improve fisheries habitat.
2. The Minister met and discussed concerns with representatives of the Ulster Angling Federation and commercial salmon fishermen in 2008 and has taken into consideration their input. Further consultations will be held before any new restrictions are implemented.
3. The UK, through the EU, is a party to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), an international organisation established under the Convention for the Conservation of Salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean which entered into force on 1 October 1983. The objective of the organisation is to contribute through consultation and cooperation to the conservation, restoration, enhancement and rational management of salmon stocks subject to the Convention taking into account the best scientific evidence available to it.
4. Press enquiries should be made to DCAL Press Office, Tel: 028 9025 8901 or by email to: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours, contact EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.