Experts urge reduction in wild salmon quota for 2006

SCIENTISTS have recommended a significant reduction in the wild salmon quota in the season ahead.

Expert advice to the National Salmon Commission suggests a total allowance catch for 2006 of 106,000 - a near 50% reduction within a three-year period.

The concerns of scientists will give added impetus to national and international campaigns to end drift netting in Ireland. The Standing Scientific Committee reportedly discovered that rivers in only four of the country’s 17 fishery districts have met conservation limits for spawning stock. The StopNow campaign, fighting for an end to drift netting, yesterday urged the Government to proceed with proposed measures for an “orderly end” to commercial netting of wild Atlantic salmon.