Written question asked by Lord Dear (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 30 April 2007.

Fishing: Salmon and Sea Trout

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in light of the decision by the Government of the Republic of Ireland to buy out, on a compulsory basis, all licences to take salmon and sea trout in drift nets off its coast, they will take steps to accelerate the closure of mixed-stock net fisheries for salmon and sea trout in England.

Answer: A policy has been in place since 1993 to phase out salmon fisheries in England and Wales that predominantly exploit mixed salmon stocks. In 2003, the Environment Agency confirmed that this policy also extends to sea trout. Reduction in fishing has generally been by natural wastage as fishermen have retired, except where more urgent action has been required to conserve stocks or where arrangements could be made to compensate fishermen who were prepared to retire early. We currently have no plans to modify this policy.

Secondary information