FISSTA – the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers - have campaigned for over 20 year to save the salmon from the coastal driftnets by seeking their removal through a fair compensation scheme for the netsmen as has been done in every other country under the North Atlantic Salmon Fund. But to date the Irish Government refuse to cooperate as wild Atlantic salmon stocks decline further into extinction. The failure of the present Minister of State for Marine Pat the Cope Gallagher TD to accept the latest scientific advice from his own staff has triggered alarm bells throughout the international salmon world where the main players including FISSTA are attending the NASCO conference in France at present.

Mr. Edward Power, Chairman of FISSTA, the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers stated: "It is interesting to see that the Commercial Scallop Fishermen in the South East region are now in the same position as the Commercial Salmon operators and our fellow anglers. In both cases, stocks are threatened and as in the case of the Salmon Fisherman, the Minister has no money. In both cases this is the key to a settlement. In the case of the Salmon Fisherman, the Minister seems to be unsure as to what to do. On one hand we are told by him that he will not agree to a buyout – despite the fact that in excess of 90% of the salmon operators would now consider it is apparently of no consequence. On the other hand he complains that no one will provide a proposal or plan for him. It begs the question, what are has civil servants doing or have they ever been asked to provide one? The Minister seems to ignore the fact that he is obliged under statute to "manage, conserve and develop Irish fisheries". Indeed, it appears that the scallop Fishermen did provide a plan, but no money is available to implement their proposals. Could we bring the Minister's attention to reports in the media in recent days detailing how €30.5m. was given recently to an African country as Overseas Development Aid recently (Over the past 4 years €116m.) Yet, John O' Shea of GOAL (not for the first time) states that this money does not go to relieve distress, rather, is taken by one of the most corrupt regimes in the world for their personal use. Yet our Government continues to provide this money while at the same time they deprive our fishermen of the necessary funds to solve their problems. - It beggars belief" stated Chairman Edward Power.