A local fisherman and political activist Liam Whyte has slammed the latest quota cut to the Ownea fishery.
The shared quota between anglers and commercial fishermen has been cut by almost 40% – and Whyte has called for a new approach to address the issues seriously affecting small fishermen.
Whyte told Donegal Daily, “Every year we see the quota being reduced, but stocks continue to decline!
“It’s almost 10 years since the drift net ban and stocks have been continually decreasing.
“It’s time a new approach was adopted because the situation as it is is completely unsustainable “.
Whyte also reiterated calls for a greater voice for fishermen and anglers to have say in how stocks were managed.
He added, “Wild salmon are a great natural resource and fishermen and anglers should work together in cooperation with regulatory bodies to protect and preserve salmon stocks.
“At present commercial fishermen have little or no input into salmon management and it would be beneficial for all interested in wild salmon to have more dialogue.
“I am calling on Inland Fisheries Ireland to initiate an open and honest dialogue between fishermen and anglers to devise the best way forward.”
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