Salmon quota for this year cut by 27%
Last year, Mr Browne's predecessor Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher caused controversy when he went against the commission's recommendation and allowed a total catch of 146,000, some 17% above the scientific advice.
But, with clear evidence that salmon stocks are dwindling and with concern about the survival of the species, Mr Browne yesterday agreed to a dramatic cut of more than one-quarter (27%) of the 2005 quota.
The move was welcomed by the opposition parties.
And the minister strongly suggested Government may impose a total ban on drift net fishing from 2007.
Acknowledging as much by saying that his department would align with scientific advice next year, Mr Brown also said a new three-member group would examine the implications of this change for the commercial sector. The group will also look at the question of compensation for commercial fishermen affected by the loss of livelihood.
"The wild Atlantic salmon is an important natural resource belonging to all the Irish people," said Mr Browne.
"Therefore, it is clear to me that the preservation of the species must be our top priority. I recognise the efforts made by the commercial fishing industry over the past number of years to build a sustainable fishery and they have endured large cuts in the quotas available to them.
"I realise that these reductions have caused them difficulty and that full alignment with the scientific advice will likely compound these problems," he said.
The expert group will report in August. It is also likely that sectors which benefit from the curtailment of commercial fishing particularly the tourist sector may be asked to contribute financially.
This year, the total allowable catch of salmon will be 91,367 for the commercial sector and 15,000 for angling.
