Madam, - I am aghast at the Government's recent decision to ignore its expert advice regarding the conservation of the remaining dwindling wild salmon stock. The Government's stated policy to ignore expert advice and to accelerate the exploitation of this now irreplaceable resource is also supported by BIM which is presently promoting a dedicated wild salmon fishing fleet and marketing strategy.
I recent years I have witnessed the Government's cynical and insidious dismantling of the fisheries boards, and deliberate under-resourcing of the fisheries protection staff, all of whom are incredibly dedicated and hard-working people.
The pollution of the lagoon on Inishbofin and the expected imminent collapse of Lough Corrib as a wild trout fishery due to eutrophication and water extraction are direct results of successive Governments' policy that economic development will always take precedence over care of the environment and natural resources.
As a professional conservationist I fully endorse your very direct and critical Editorial of April 4th. - Yours, etc.,
PETER PEARSON EVANS,
Albert Road,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.