Madam, – The dramatic increase in salmon poaching has been linked to joblessness (Home News, June 11th). I agree that poaching is worse now than it has ever been. I acknowledge that over the past two to three years greater efforts have been made to restrict the level of poaching. Credit is due in this regard to the current staff of the South Western Regional Fisheries Board.
Tagging regulations for salmon and sea trout were introduced a number of years ago. The regulations state “upon landing the fish a tag should be firmly fastened and securely locked to the fish by attaching the tag through the gill opening and mouth of the fish and double locking it around the gill cover”. This regulation is not being enforced in the River Laune, Co Kerry. It must be, in the interests of conservation and sustainability.
Quotas were brought in for draft net fisheries, anglers, etc, as a way of ensuring that a sustainable stock escaped for the future propagation of salmon and sea trout. If the regulations and quotas are not strictly enforced, these species will continue to be over- exploited.
The South Western Regional Fisheries staff need to address the tagging issue on the River Laune as a matter of urgency, as any over-exploitation of salmon and sea trout stocks will have only one consequence – the wiping out of this valuable resource. – Yours, etc,