Fisherman challenges drift net by-laws

A MAYO fisherman is seeking to annul regulations which restrict drift net fishing and prohibit it from certain areas

A MAYO fisherman is seeking to annul regulations which restrict drift net fishing and prohibit it from certain areas. Mr John Needham, of Old Head, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, is appealing Galway, Connemara and Ballinakill district by-laws and has brought the High Court action against the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Minister for the Marine.

The WRFB and the Minister claim Mr Needham is not entitled to annul the regulations. Salmon and sea trout catches had not improved sufficiently to protect the stocks. They claim the regulations are necessary to preserve, manage and increase stocks.

Mr Conor Maguire SC, for Mr Needham a drift net fisherman for 20 years - said his client was appealing under the Fisheries Acts.

The salmon season ran from April 1st to July 24th. The by-laws were made to regulate drift not fishing, particularly in certain sanctuary areas in which it was controlled or prohibited.

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In 1991, regulations were introduced and modified in 1992 and 1993. In 1994, they were changed and prohibited fishing for salmon in the sanctuary areas, and outside of that there was no fishing within 200 metres of the shore.

Boats of 26 feet and under could not fish in the sanctuaries. Mr Needham had to travel at least six miles to fish in his 19ft boat. His livelihood was threatened as he was longer at sea. In addition, statistics showed there were more lives lost, more capsizes and more lifeboat calls concerning small boats.

Mr Eamon O Cuiv, the Fianna Fail TD for Galway West, appeared for Mr Needham. He said that in 1994 he went to the Minister for the Marine several times to express concern that they did not know what was to be in the by law. He was surprised when, near the end of the season, the by-law was introduced. He wanted the more modified by-laws of 1992-93 to be preserved.

The hearing continues today