2.1.1
The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards should recognise pike as a valuable part of Ireland's freshwater bio-diversity(1) resource.

(1) - (1n adherence to the precautionary principle, as it relates to the protection of bio-diversity and the protection of vulnerable freshwater ecosystems, pike should not be transferred into waters that are outside the current distribution of the species, unless those waters are physically isolated from other waters into which introduced pike or the progeny of introduced pike might migrate).

2.1.2
The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards should recognise pike as a valuable national freshwater angling asset and as such the species will be considered, managed, protected and promoted as a distinct fisheries entity.

2.1.3
Appropriate representation should be provided on the Regional Fisheries Boards to recognise the pike angling sector, either as a distinct electoral class or by Ministerial nomination.

2.1.4
In designated waters, which are managed preferentially for brown trout, pike removal(2) will be an integral part of the fisheries management programme.

(2) - (However, this policy statement recognises that it is desirable to leave large pike (>80cm) in these designated trout waters as a valuable angling resource).

2.1.5
Future decisions about the management of pike and pike angling in fisheries throughout Ireland will be informed by the conservation needs of all species, research on the distribution and status of the species, and the economic and socio economic value of fisheries for these species.



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