§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the causes of the decline in rod-caught salmon during the 1990 season.
§ Mr. CurryOnly provisional rod data for 1990 are so far available. I am aware of reports that in some cases rod catches were lower than in previous years. The distribution and variation in catches is being analysed by scientists in the Fisheries Departments and by the National Rivers Authority. It is too early to draw firm conclusions. Year on year fluctuations in catches of migratory fish are normal and can be the result of a number of factors, including low water levels due to drought and higher than normal levels of natural mortality. It is not yet known whether there are any other abnormal factors in relation to the 1990 catches.