The State's seven regional fisheries boards may be rationalised in a review announced this week by the Minister of State the Marine, Mr John Browne.
The Minister said he "remained to be convinced" that a buy-out of commercial salmon licences was a cost-efficient, workable instrument.
However, the Central Fisheries Board was currently examining a number of options, including possible models for a buy-out or set-aside scheme.
The national total allowable catch for commercially caught salmon this year has been set at 182,000 by the National Salmon Commission, which advises the Minister.
The "strategic independent review" of inland fisheries would deliver a root-and-branch examination of the State's role and objectives in the sector, Mr Browne said, speaking at the Irish Atlantic Salmon Conservation Awards in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
Terms of reference would be finalised in the coming weeks, and consultants would be invited to bid for the project.
Last year the Independent Estimates Review Committee called for an examination of the fisheries board structure.
The so-called "three wise men" - three former senior civil servants, Mr Maurice O'Connell, Mr Dermot Quigley and Mr Kevin Bonner - said in their report that there was scope for rationalising the existing structures.
The review committee had been asked by the Government to examine spending in all areas before the Budget.
The Minister of State said the review would define the future relationship between the Government and management structure and would advise on the future role of fisheries boards in contributing to the optimum development of the inland fisheries resource in Ireland.
He also said that development of good management and organisational practices must be fostered to guarantee cost-effectiveness and value for money.
The overall award for the IASC scheme this year went to Clonmel Tourism, Co Tipperary, for its efforts in developing the Suir river.
Other winners included Ballisodare Fishing Club, Co Sligo; Bandon Angling Association, Co Cork; and Coomhola Salmon Trust, which received the youth award for developing a centre to raise awareness about freshwater and salmon.
A special posthumous award was also presented to Sandra Shaw on behalf of Prof Graham Shaw, who led the Save Our Sea Trout campaign.
The IASC awards are sponsored by the Central and regional fisheries boards, the Marine Institute, the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Bank of Ireland and granted by the National Salmon Commission.
