Salmon Netting (Hansard, 7 June 2000)

§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

Following a debate in another place on 10 November 1999, the Government undertook to obtain advice from the Environment Agency on the implications of extending the salmon netting season by 20 days in north-east England. The Government emphasised that they would not wish to proceed with any measure that was not in the interests of salmon conservation. They also sought the agency's advice on whether additional measures were needed to conserve large salmon in river fisheries in the autumn, particularly in the North East.

The Government have now received the agency's advice, which they have accepted. A copy is available in the Library of the House. In summary, the agency has adviced that such an extension would substantially increase the level of exploitation of both multi-sea-winter salmon and grilse and would not be in the interests of salmon conservation. The agency does not believe at present that there is an immediate need for further measures to restrict exploitation by either rods or nets in north-east England, and notes that half of the rod catch in north-east England in 1999 was released. Nevertheless, it will continue to keep the position under review.