#Angling - An angling bye-law focusing on salmon and sea trout has come into effect for Burrishoole, Co Mayo.

Sean Kyne, Minister of State with responsibility for Inland Fisheries, introduced the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Shramore (Burrishoole)(Catch and Release) Bye Law No 951 into operation on Tuesday 13 June.

The new bye-law provides for catch and release angling for salmon and sea trout over 40cm in length in the Shramore (Burrishoole) system, and applies to Lough Furnace and the Seven Arch Bridge on the L5435 (old Newport Road). 

Operative from Wednesday 14 June till Saturday 30 September, the bye-law and provides for the use of single barbless hooks while prohibiting the use of worms as bait in angling for salmon and sea trout.

‘Catch and release’ angling refers to the method of carefully handling any fish caught and immediately returning the fish alive to the water. This form of angling has a significant positive impact on the survival rate of released fish. 

In addition, salmon and sea trout caught by fly fishing using single barbless hooks have a greater chance of survival than fish caught on barbed hooks. Barbless hooks do less damage, are easier to remove and reduce handling time which can be an important factor influencing survival.

Salmon and sea trout are some of Ireland’s main wild fish species attracting domestic and overseas anglers alike. Angling contributes €836 million to the Irish economy annually and supports upwards of 11,000 jobs which are often in rural communities.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, chief executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “Our salmon and sea trout stocks are extremely valuable. These new measures at Shramore, Burrishoole, will allow us to introduce a number of important methods which will help us protect these populations into the future.”

Anglers are requested to familiarise themselves the details of the new bye-law, available as a PDF to read or download HERE.

#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is now inviting submissions from the public on the development of a national sea trout policy.

Sea trout in Ireland, in the context of legislation and management, has traditionally been closely identified with salmon and this consultation process will consider the requirement of establishing a separate identity for sea trout.

The policy will make recommendations which will inform a range of issues including sustainable management of stock and any possible legislative changes that may emerge in the future.

Other areas to be addressed will include protection and conservation (including biodiversity, habitat protection and interactions with aquaculture), stock assessment, and education and promotion.

Sea trout, the migratory form of brown trout, leave freshwater as a juvenile fish typically after two years. They enter marine waters where they feed heavily before returning to freshwater, usually to breed with some components of the population spawning several times over their lifetime.

As a result, the sea trout is a valuable angling fish which occurs in most coastal rivers and inshore waters.

Sea trout has significant economic and cultural importance in Ireland with potential for further development. This is coupled with major concerns about sea trout stock declines in some systems nationally, most particularly along the western seaboard, and requires that future management of sea trout is underpinned by a comprehensive policy.

IFI says it recognises the diverse opinions of stakeholders regarding the future management of sea trout and their fisheries and encourages stakeholder engagement through this public consultation process.

Interested parties are invited to make submissions which will be reviewed and considered by the Sea Trout Policy Group, which comprises of a range of representatives with a broad experience of sea trout within IFI.

“The sea trout is a complex migratory fish frequenting freshwater, estuaries and marine waters,” says IFI chief executive Ciaran Byrne. “The biodiversity, economic and cultural value of this type of fish requires a policy direction to manage this precious resource sustainably and to conserve it into the future.

“This public consultation, and ultimately the policy recommendations which will emerge, will capture stakeholder views and incorporate the broad scope of management issues that will underpin future policy.”

The public consultation period will run for five weeks until Wednesday 12 July. All submissions must be made in writing and will be published on the IFI website. Submissions should be marked ‘Public Consultation – Sea Trout Policy’ and can be submitted to [email protected] or by post to:

Sea Trout Policy
Inland Fisheries Ireland
3044 Lake Drive
Citywest Business Campus
Dublin 24
D24 Y265

Information on the consultation is available from the IFI website or from any IFI office.

#Angling - New research from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has revealed the state of fish stock levels and the different species present within the River Barrow catchment.

The River Barrow is Ireland’s second longest river after the River Shannon, and this research is the first large scale catchment-wide survey undertaken in the popular angling waterway to assess the status of all fish species present.

The IFI report reveals that 39% of water sites surveyed on the catchment had high or good fish status.

The ecological fish classification status of various sites was calculated as part of the survey to assist with future fisheries management plans. This included assessment of 35 of the River Barrow’s main channel sites and a further 83 sites within the river’s sub catchments.

Overall, ‘High’ fish status was recorded on five per cent of sites, and ‘Good’ status was assigned to 34% of sites.

The positive fish status was recorded in the upper reaches of the River Barrow main channel above Mountmellick, Co Laois, downstream of weirs where flow and habitat conditions were more favourable for a larger range of fish species, and generally in the middle and lower sub-catchment river systems.

However, more than 60% of the sites were cited as moderate fish status or less.

The main reasons for less than good fish status were poor water quality, poor habitat, the presence of artificial barriers impeding migratory fish passage and possible competition from the invasive dace species.

Further investigation of these sites will be required prior to the implementation of mitigation measures such as improvements to water quality, habitat enhancement works to improve spawning and nursery areas or tree planting to provide cover for fish.

In addition to classifying the fish status of the sites, the species of fish present were audited as part of the research.

More than 10,000 fish were caught and released as part of the survey with a total of 14 fish species and one hybrid (mix) species identified.

Dace, an invasive fish species, was the commonest species in the main channel sites, followed by roach, perch and juvenile salmon, while salmon and brown trout were the commonest species in the sub-catchment rivers.

Pike were found in 54% of the main channel sites surveyed and brown trout were recorded at 45% of these sites.

Other fish species logged included minnow, gudgeon, eel, stone loach, three-spined stickleback and flounder, as well as roach-bream hybrids.

“This survey is the first of its kind within this large catchment area and it tells us a great deal about what is happening on these sites,” said IFI senior research officer Dr Fiona Kelly.

"It is evident that we have an abundance of different types of wild fish species present; however we also know that there are challenges for the catchment in terms of water quality, habitat and invasive species which will need to be addressed. Ultimately, this research will inform future fisheries management and protection strategies.”

IFI says it encourages all stakeholders on the River Barrow to support the conservation and protection of the river, its tributaries and the species contained within it.

It also hopes that community groups will consider what they can do to improve its water quality and ecology and create a healthy water environment for the benefit of all users.

#IFI - Inland Fisheries Ireland has officially signed up to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Partnership Programme, which helps integrate energy management into public sector organisations.

This new partnership will see IFI follow a clear path to achieving targeted energy savings of 33% across the public sector, with a view to achieving year-on-year savings of greater than 3% on top of the 21% increase in efficiency already reached sector-wide.

The State fisheries body says it has already commenced a number of energy saving initiatives in recent years, which include the introduction of ‘green patrols’ for fisheries officers using kayaks and bicycles to patrol angling areas on inland waterways; installing solar panels and insulation on buildings; fuel monitoring and fleet audits; altering lighting; and trialling an electric vehicle.

IFI chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne commented: “As custodians of the fisheries resource, Inland Fisheries Ireland recognises the importance of energy management as a highly cost-effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to reverse climate change.

“Today [Tuesday 7 March] we have formally committed to reducing our energy usage and our carbon emissions and we look forward to working with the SEAI on reaching our goal by 2020.

“There are many benefits to energy efficiency and aside from environmental reasons; we are also motivated by the desire to operate in a lean manner. We know that many organisations can achieve 20% monetary savings in energy use through proven management and technology solutions so as an organisation, we will benefit year on year.”

Jim Gannon, CEO of the SEAI, added that the agency “is working closely with the public sector to help them to achieve energy savings and agencies such as IFI have a key role to play.

“Already, public bodies have achieved more than €600 million in energy efficiency savings in the last few years with SEAI’s assistance. With more partnerships like the one Inland Fisheries Ireland has committed to today, even more public sector savings can be achieved as we move towards a low carbon future.”

#Angling - Legal actions against poaching and other illegal angling and fisheries activity have hit a stumbling block after it was found that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) does not have “explicit power to prosecute offences”.

The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has called a halt to any summonses currently before the courts until necessary amendments to the Fisheries Acts are enacted.

IFI says it is considering whether fresh summonses can be issued at a later stage when the amendments are in place. In the meantime, any alleged offenders remain liable to prosecution.

#Angling - The tender process for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) State Fisheries for 2017 is now open.

Lists of available fisheries can be found on the IFI website HERE.

To tender for one or more fisheries, fill out the Condition of Tender and Application Form 2016.

Tenders will be accepted up until Friday 30 December; proof of postage on or before this date will be accepted. Mark your envelope TENDER APPLICATION and send it to Paul O’Reilly, Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest, Dublin 24.

If your angling club is interested in a longer term licence, fill out the relevant section on your form and IFI will get in touch. In the meantime, however, the ‘per year’ licence fee should be tendered.

For any queries relating to State Fisheries or the 2017 tender process, contact Paul O’Reilly at [email protected] or at 01-884-2600.

In addition, all clubs who held a licence on a State Fishery during the 2016 season will need to fill out an End of Year Report Form and return it to IFI at the above address by 30 December.

End of Year reports may of course be posted together with tender applications, though no envelopes marked ‘TENDER APPLICATION’ will be opened until after the closing date for applications. Any tender cheques enclosed will also not be acknowledged until after 30 December.

#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has awarded 50 angling development projects with funding to the value of €500,000 in total as part of its Capital Works Fund.

The projects, which focus on improving angling access and infrastructure, are set to be delivered in 2017.

In total, applications for over 100 projects were received bringing the overall value of projects looking for funding to above €2 million.

Seán Kyne, Minister of State for Natural Resources, said: “I would like to congratulate the community groups who have been awarded this funding.

“The projects receiving funding are located in 19 counties across the country. They include the provision of angling boats and trailers to allow for improved access for education/youth initiatives and tourist anglers, upgrades to access roads and car parks at angling sites, construction of new fishing stands, styles and footbridges and the provision of informational signage.”

The Capital Works Fund was announced in October 2016 with local groups and individuals including local development associations, tidy towns, angling clubs and others invited to apply for funding.

The scheme is part of IFI’s National Strategy for Angling Development, which aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced with a view to ensuring a sustainable habitat and delivering the economic, health and recreational benefits they offer to communities across Ireland.

IFI says it is aiming to grow the angling sector’s socio-economic contribution of €836 million per year by an additional €60 million annually through the strategy.

This will be achieved by driving angling participation among domestic and overseas visitors, which in turn is supported by improving access to fishing and developing angling infrastructure.

Suzanne Campion, IFI head of business development, said: “The Capital Works Fund has been overwhelmed by strong project applications and following a considered review process, we are delighted to announce the 50 projects which have secured support.

“The demand for improvements in angling access and development is evident. Rural communities across Ireland are engaged with angling and recognise the value of the fisheries resource to their local area.”

Campion added that IFI “has worked closely with angling clubs, individuals, community groups and chambers of commerce to inform them about the fund and the overall National Strategy for Angling Development.

“We hope to empower these stakeholders to improve access to angling in their areas and as a result deliver long term recreational and economic benefit to their communities.”

IFI received 90 expressions of interest across 21 counties in addition to the applications received for the Capital Works Fund, and it is expected that further funding for projects will be made in this area in the New Year.

The projects receiving funding under the Capital Works Fund 2016 are:

Cavan

• Hollybank Lake, Co. Cavan – Access Road and Car Park Improvements (€16,920) by Cavan County Council
• Lough Sheelin, Co. Cavan – Safety Measures Project (€3,618) by Cavan Cavan Council
• Bun Lough, Belturbet, Co. Cavan – Bun Lake Car Park and Access Road Improvements (€14,913) by Cavan County Council
• Putiaghan Lough, Belturbet, Co. Cavan – Lay-By Upgrade (€9,112) by Cavan County Council
• Nadreegeel Lough, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan – Site Clearance, Car Park Improvement and Signage Development (€16,500) by Cavan County Council

Clare

• Swan Island, Lough Bridget – Swan Island Lough Bridget Upgrade of Angling Facilities (€10,000) by Tulla and District Coarse Angling Association

Cork

• River Ilen, Skibbereen – River Ilen Development Project for Recreational and Tourist Angling (€2, 750) by River Ilen Anglers Club
• Bandon River – Opening Access on the Bandon River (€3,770) by Bandon Angling Association
• Glenbeg Lake, Ardgroom, Beara – Glenbeg Lake Angling Access (€12,000) by Beara Trout Anglers
• Tibbotstown Carrigtwohill – Angling access and storage at Tibbotstown Reservoir (€19,042) by Glanmire & District Salmon & Trout Anglers Association
• Kilbarry – River Blackwater Access Improvement (€25,969) by Kilbarry Salmon Trout Anglers

Donegal

• Sessiagh Lough – Sessiagh Lough Boat Replacement (€6,000) by Dunfanaghy Angling Association
• Lough Keel – Lough Keel Car Park and Access Improvement (€1,050) by Letterkenny & District Anglers Association
• Lough na Toohey, Creeslough - Creeslough Development Plan. Lough na Toohey Angling Access Work (€3,500) by Creeslough & District Angling Association
• Crana River and Fullerton Pollen Dam Fisheries, Buncrana - Buncrana Anglers Fisheries Development Plan (€25,850) by Buncrana Anglers Association

Galway

• Clare River – Clare River Angling Access Developments (€14,720) by Cairde na Chlair
• Greenfield, Headford – Greenfield, Headford Access (€7,533) by Headford and Corrib Angling Club
• Clare River, Cregmore – Cregmore Galway River Clare Angling Access Improvements (€9,599) by Cregmore Athenry Anglers
• Owenriff River, Oughterard – Owenriff River Resurfacing of Road and Carpark Facility (€14,980) by Oughterard Anglers and Boatmen’s Association
• Owenglin River, Clifden Glen – Owenglin River Walkway Upgrade (€700) by Clifden Trout Anglers Association
• Corr Na Mona Pier Lough Corrib – Lough Corrib Disabled Hoist (€4,500) by Corr na Mona and District Anglers

Kerry

• River Feale, Listowel – Listowel Town Access Enhancement (€40,000) by Kerry County Council
• River Feale, Scartleigh – River Feale Angling Access (€2,500) by Killocrim Finuge Fishing Club
• Cloonaughlin Lake, Waterville - Cloonaughlin Lake Waterville Access Road Repair (€4,900), by Waterville Lakes and Rivers Trust
• River Lee, Tralee – River Lee Selective Pruning (€10,750) by Karen Griffin, Inland Fisheries Ireland
  
  Kildare
• Blackhall, Clane – River Liffey Angling Styles (€1,873) by Dublin Trout Anglers

Kilkenny

• River Nore, Threecastles, Freshford Road – River Nore Angling Access (€2,080) by Kilkenny City & County Anglers, the Rock Bar

Laois

• Mountmelick – Improving access at Owenass River (€11,988) by Mountmellick Angling and Conservation Club

Leitrim

• Lareen and Rosfriar Town, Kinlough – Drowns Fisheries Angling Walkways (€10,000) by Drownes Salmon Fishery
• Lough Allen – Herns Shore Lough Allen Improved Access Road (€4,600) by Carrick on Shannon Angling Festival
• Bonet River, Community Park – Upgrading fencing and improving access to local angling community at Bonet River (€8,000) by Dromahair Anglers Association
• Lough Rowan, Lauragh, Fenagh – Lough Allen angling access road upgrade and stiles (€6,000) by Rinn Shannon and District Angling Club
• Lough Allen – Lough Allen Angling Access Road Upgrade and Stiles (€3,600) by Sheemore Angling Club

Mayo

• Curragh Car Park, near Foxford – River Moy Curragh Car Park Upgrade (€15,516) by Knockmore Salmon Anglers
• River Moy, Bohola/Straide – River Moy Angling Access (€4,269) by East Mayo Anglers Association
• River Moy, Foxford – Accessible Angling on River Moy (€10,000) by East Mayo Anglers Association

Meath

• Mentrim Lake, Aclare – Mentrim Lake Improved Angling Access (€10,500) by Mentrim & District Anglers Community Organisation

Monaghan

• Lough More Greagh Emyvale – Lough More Enabling Easier Angling Access (€450)by Lough More and Blackwater Anglers Association
• Bairds Shore and Kilroosky, Clones – Bairds Shore Access Road and Kilroosky Parking Area (€20,364) by Monaghan County Council

Offaly

• River Brosna – Little Brosna Angling Access Works (€980), by Roscrea and District Anglers Club

Roscommon

• Castlecoote Village – Stoneham’s (Linn Ban) Lake Angling Access Infrastructure Development (€28,148) by Suck Valley Development Co-Operative Society Ltd
• Emlaghroyan – Corcoran’s Access Path to Angling Pegs (€7,945) by Suck Valley Development Co-Operative Society Ltd

Sligo

• River Easkey, Dromore – River Easkey Development Project (€10,000) by River Easkey Angling Association
• Stephen Street Car Park – Angling Access to Garavogue River, Sligo (€35,450) by Sligo County Council / Sligo BID Co/ Garavogue Salmon Festival Group
• Glencor Lake – Sligo Anglers Fisheries Angling Boat and Transportation Trailer (€5,400) by Sligo Anglers Association Fisheries

Tipperary

• River Suir, North Bank between Clonmel and Carrick on Suir – River Suir Angling Access Improvements (€10,000) by Tipperary County Council
• River Suir, Killsheelan – River Suir Kilsheelin – Angling Access Project (€5,360) by Clonmel & District And Trout Association

Waterford

• Carrigvantry and Knockaderry Reservoirs – Angling Access (€4,000) by Waterford City and County Trout Anglers Association
• Belle Lake – Belle Lake Disinfectant Station and Boat Project (€1,100) by Belle Lake Pike Angling Club

Wexford

• Ballygeary, Rosslare Harbour – Rosslare Harbour Lagoon Development (€4,698) by Community Development Group

#Angling - Continued vigilance on Ireland’s rivers and lakes is required, says Ireland’s inland fisheries body, as a new report indicates a substantial loss in the number of highest quality river sites.

According to the latest State of the Environment Report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only 21 sites were classified as the highest quality rivers (0.7% of sites) in most recent monitoring period (2013-2015). This compares with 575 sites between 1987-1990 and 82 sites between 2001-2003.

In addition, 18% of monitored rivers and 27% of monitored lakes were defined as ‘less than good status’ due to fish ecological status as monitored reported on by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

Preliminary assessment suggests that barriers to fish migration and physical deterioration of habitats may be partly to blame.

Between 2010 and 2012, there were also 70 fish kills reported. However serious pollution of rivers has fallen to just over 6km compared to 17km in 2010-2012 and 53km in 2007-2009.

“We need to protect our fish populations and conserve our resource for the next generation,” said IFI chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne on the new report, adding that Ireland’s fisheries resource “is worth €836 million annually to the Irish economy and supports over 11,000 jobs often in rural and peripheral communities.

“We have over 273,000 domestic anglers currently in Ireland and in 2015, 163,000 international visitors fished here. Angling and the fisheries resource, if developed in a conservation focused manner, offers huge recreational and economic potential for Ireland now and into the future.

“We have some of the best wild fisheries in Europe and water quality in Ireland still compares favourably with our European neighbours. However, the dramatic reduction in the number of our pristine rivers is a wake-up call which we need to address.”

#Fishing - Fishermen wishing to apply for oyster dredging licences for the 2017 season must apply with the official form via the relevant River Basin District Office before 12 noon on Friday 25 November.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) say this process became necessary due to the many Special Areas of Conservation and Natura 2000 sites in Ireland that also contain oyster fisheries.

As the exploitation of these fisheries will requires dredging, appropriate assessment of these fishing activities will have to be undertaken.

In the absence of appropriate assessments, against predetermined conservation objectives, it is necessary to ensure that no intensification of the fishing activity for oysters be permitted.

This has been further strengthened by the issuing of a direction from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in accordance with Section 278 (5)(a) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 as amended and the Habitats Directive as transposed by European Commission (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477/ 2011).

For further information on the official application procedure, visit the IFI website HERE.

#Angling - A new fund to support projects for sustainable and accessible angling in Ireland has been launched by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

The Capital Works Fund of €500,000 is available for angling groups and clubs who are looking to improve access and infrastructure for angling.

The fund is aimed specifically at capital improvement works, with grants available to all groups and individuals including local development associations, tidy towns, angling clubs and others looking to improve access to angling.

The types of projects eligible for funding must provide for public access and include the following:

• Clearing and fencing along rivers/ lakes to allow access for angling.
• Disability-friendly angling stands.
• Car parks to improve access for anglers (new car parks and upgrades to existing carparks).
• Walkways to improve access for anglers.
• Stands, styles, footbridges and boat slips.
• Accessible angling boats.

Sean Kyne TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, said: “Accessibility for people of all abilities is a priority if our inland fisheries are to be enjoyed by everyone.

“I welcome the investment which will open angling activity to a wider range of participants and I would encourage the community based groups to apply for funding.”

The funding scheme forms part of IFI’s National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for the economic value and recreational benefit which they offer to communities across Ireland.

The fisheries resource is worth €836 million to the Irish economy annually and supports upwards of 11,000 jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities.

IFI head of business development Suzanne Campion added: “We are now inviting applications for funding for ‘shovel-ready’ projects which will improve access to angling.

“This is a vital step in developing facilities for the 273,600 anglers currently in Ireland and the 163,000 international visitors who fished here in 2015. By improving access, we can help grow domestic participation in angling and encourage more visitors to our country every year.”

Campion said the National Strategy for Angling Development “aims to grow the annual economic contribution of angling by €96 million over the next five years, creating an additional 1,800 jobs and attracting 40,000 more tourists annually.

“We are calling on angling development groups to apply for funding through this scheme. Together, we can ensure our angling infrastructure is developed and we can help remove any barriers to participating in this valuable activity.”

Applications for funding should be submitted via the online application form.

Applications will be evaluated in light of the objectives of IFI’s National Strategy for Angling Development, which aims to make angling accessible and attractive through information, infrastructure and support, to develop tourism through the promotion of angling and to establish recognition of angling as an important leisure and recreational pursuit. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 8 November.

IFI said it expects to continue funding in this area in 2017, and invites expressions of interest (open till the end of November 2016) from those wishing to develop more complex projects to deliver on the National Strategy for Angling Development.