UUP spokesman for Culture Arts and Leisure Robin Swann MLA has welcomed confirmation that DCAL will apply catch and release for salmon on all waters it is responsible for in the coming season.
"Following some concern that the Department had not yet confirmed its own position on catch and release despite calling for local angling clubs to take a voluntary decision to release all salmon this season I contacted the Minister to seek clarification. I am pleased to say that I received a very prompt response from the Department to confirm that they will apply the same measures to areas they have control of and their website and information on angling will be amended to reflect this.
It is important that everyone who has the long term interests of angling in Northern Ireland at heart works together to improve the situation. No section or interest group can be allowed to step back and say that they will take advantage of the good work of others."
