State agencies row over how to protect salmon and trout stocks

GOVERNMENT scientists are bitterly divided over how to protect invaluable salmon and sea trout stocks.

Sea trout could be wiped out in some rivers if Department of Agriculture recommendations to control sea lice are accepted, government scientists have warned.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said the proposals were “disappointing” and failed to address concerns posed to sea trout and salmon stocks by sea lice found near salmon farms. Salmon conservationists supported their position.