Salmon fishermen to protest against planned drift-net ban

Fishermen from across the country are due to march on the Dáil today to protest against a planned ban on drift-netting for salmon.

The demonstration is taking place as the independent group that recommended the ban meets the Oireachtas Marine Committee to discuss its proposals.

Salmon fishermen are vehemently opposed to the ban, which they say will wipe out hundreds of jobs.

The Independent Salmon Group, however, says the measure is necessary to reverse a “disastrous" decline in salmon stocks in Irish rivers.

Most European countries have already banned drift-netting of salmon in order to protect stocks.

However, they say the continuation of the practice by Irish fishermen is preventing salmon from returning to their rivers, as well as Irish waterways.

Irish anglers says ongoing drift-netting is also damaging their industry and the associated tourism trade.