We won’t swallow the ‘heritage’ excuse

IT is imperative the Government acts on scientific recommendations to ban drift-net fishing and curtail other activities to ensure the survival of wild Atlantic salmon.

We are now being subjected to the ‘my Dáil seat before survival of salmon’ politicians offering the poor mouth and the usual tripe about heritage.

Many of us are nauseated by the apologists’ excuses, knowing salmon-net fishermen are generally a self-interested group which does not rely solely on this activity for their livelihoods, have for years fished with illegal nets and out of season and previously threatened fishery officers when caught.

It was ‘heritage’ for the Japanese to whale, the Raj to hunt tigers, the Chinese herbalist to grind up rhino horn — but no one’s countenancing those activities.

I appeal to every fish market, processor, restaurant and fish lover not to trade, buy, cook or eat wild salmon (and other endangered fish species). Would you buy rhino horn?

Rónán Collins

Oaktree Drive

Castleknock

Dublin 15