UPDATE LETTER FROM FISSTA CHAIRMAN SUNDAY 28.01.01.  

Dear Members of FISSTA 
As the Fishery Boards propose to implement the new measures for tagging of salmon and seatrout every club will be confronted with the decision on opening of the season on their waters to either tag or not. 
The FISSTA policy is as always to refuse to accept the present tagging system as it is anti conservation and leaves two major black holes which will launder poached salmon and effectively increase the slaughter of salmon in the close season.  
While FISSTA do not wish any member to break the law the following motion was passed at our November Executive meeting.  

 “As the proposed counting powers does nothing to conserve stocks of salmon and seatrout, FISSTA recommends that all members refrain from using tags and logbooks as in their current form. As legislation has been passed and that all fish landed by rod anglers be tagged, then FISSTA recommends that rod anglers refrains from the taking of salmon until such time that the federation achieves its objectives.”

As the Minister has failed to deliberate on our letter of 10th November and 10th of December 2000 in which we listed our five main concerns as follows: 
(i) A ban on the sale of all salmon and seatrout outside the commercial season
(ii) The commercial season must not be extended under any circumstances
(iii)  Farmed salmon must be tagged.
(iv) A Protection Programme at sea be implemented
(v) The information sought on the proposed logbook be reviewed

Following a very successful demonstration on Opening Day of our first affiliate club in Killarney Co. Kerry on 17th January 2001. Further protests are planned by individual affiliated clubs which FISSTA will support in line with policy. The FISSTA Executive are invited by Galway Salmon Anglers to participate in a rally in Galway on the 3rd February 2001. All affiliated clubs are welcome to attend with their placards and FISSTA Executive members will address the rally and update those present on developments. Please support this protest as it is vital to register our opposition to Minister Fahey in this his home county.  

Venue: EYRE Square, Galway City. Time: 1.30pm on 3rd February 2001.  

Looking forward to meeting you in Galway. 
Noel Carr.
Chairman.