The Government is considering plans to pass on control of rivers and lakes in the State to private companies and community interests in a move to curb pollution and better protect fish stocks.
In a preliminary report in February 2005, Farrell Grant Sparks (FGS) consultants warned that existing structures were ineffective because different interest groups were "in conflict with one another".
The consultants were ordered last month by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to draw up final plans to carry out a "root and branch" shake-up of inland fisheries.
Currently, regional fisheries boards control inland fisheries, but significant tensions exist with local interests, while complex problems over ownership, exploitation and pollution also exist. FGS recommended that the "effective ownership and management and operation of fisheries" should be transferred to community interests.
The over-exploitation of fish stocks is a significant threat to the long-term sustainability of the inland fisheries resource. Fish habitats are also under threat, particularly from a variety of adverse environmental and water-quality pressures.
"This situation requires a change of emphasis in the sector from traditional activities to new thinking and innovative approaches to inland fisheries management in the future," FGS reported.
Under the terms of reference offered last month by the department for FGS's second report, private interests could gain greater control over waters.
The consultants have been told to recommend a structure which would "contribute to the optimum development" of inland fisheries, including "enhanced private-sector involvement and self-funding options".
Meanwhile, Fine Gael has accepted the Government's decision to ban all salmon drift-net fishing and halt salmon angling on 30 rivers in the eastern part of the State from January 1st.
The decision marks a significant change of policy on the part of the party's marine spokesman, Sligo/Leitrim TD John Perry, who had vocally opposed Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey's plans in recent weeks.
FG had argued for a voluntary buy-out of drift-net licences to cut the number of fishermen by 80 per cent and the catch by 80 per cent and "put salmon stocks on a sustainable footing".
"However, FG now accepts the decision taken by the Government to ban drift-net fishing on foot of scientific advice in relation to fish stocks," Mr Perry said. "It is time for all interested parties to calmly and rationally discuss how we can best protect the precious natural resource that is our salmon stocks, arising from the Government's decision."
The Government's protection of the marine had been "disgraceful", Mr Perry complained.
He continued: "They have consistently downgraded and under-resourced our very important marine industry. Despite earlier warnings about the impact of drift-net fishing, this Government has not only ignored the issue but has consistently increased the quotas for drift-net fishermen."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that he understands the deep level of anger felt by drift-net fishermen and coastal communities at the Cabinet's decision.
Speaking in Dublin Castle, he said that considerable opposition had been expressed within the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party about Mr Dempsey's plans.
"A lot of our people in our coastal areas were bitterly disappointed with that, but in all of these things we have to look to the greater good," the Taoiseach declared.
"We are faced with a position that we had to move. Otherwise we won't be having the debate about drift-netting. There will be no salmon to be catching. We can't ignore scientific experts."
The Government could have allowed drift-netting to continue "as a populist decision", but that would have meant inevitable destruction of the State's salmon stocks.
