Sir, - I wish to respond to Declan Turnbull's letter of August 22nd, in reference to the salmon trapping operation by the Department of the Marine (Moy Fishery) at the weir in Ballina.
Everyone knows that salmon is a threatened species, a diminishing natural resource, and spring salmon in particular are arguably already on the endangered list. According to a study carried out in 1991 (New Scientist, April 1995) at least 106 major salmon populations in Washington, Oregon and California have become extinct since European settlement, and another 214 are now at risk. Recent reports from anglers visiting Norway reveal an alarming decline in salmon numbers in some Norwegian rivers.
Wild salmon stocks are being hammered by excessive exploitation, by pollution out at sea and increasingly by bloated seal populations. The unedifying and unwholesome spectacle of the twice daily, large scale salmon killing at the weir by the Moy Fishery contrasts harshly with the policy of Bord Failte and other state authorities of promoting Ireland's "green" image.
It is interesting to note that the Central Fishery Boards' 1992/93 report records the following in relation to the commercial salmon fishing at Galway: "In line with the conservation measure now in place, for a number of years, the opening of the commercial salmon season was deferred until May 1st. This deferment allowed the valuable spring fish to run the system and make them available to anglers".
The phasing out of the salmon traps, or at the very least putting back the start of the trapping at Ballina to a date in May instead of March as at present, would go some way to achieve a rational balance between the State's commercial needs and conservation. It would allow salmon to run, and regenerate in the Moy River system for the benefit of local visiting anglers. - Yours, etc.,
Chairman,
Ballina Salmon Anglers'
Association,
Lord Edward Street,
Ballina, Co. Mayo.