Angling notes: Galway fishing group opposes idea of salmon farms in the bay

Following an initial assessment of the recently published Sustainable Aquaculture Development (Draft) Plan, Galway Bay against Salmon Cages (Gbasc) believes the plan is to grant a licence for a smaller installation in Galway Bay. Gbasc said it will oppose any size salmon farm in Galway Bay, whether it be five tonne or 15,000 tonne.

There are 19 salmon farms operating without having their licences renewed as no appropriate assessments have been carried out. Also a number of farms are overstocked and breaking conditions of their licences, according to Gbasc.

“Cage structure regulations have been broken, safety regulations have been broken, environmental regulations have been broken and fresh water has been taken illegally.”

The only alternative is to build land-based, closed-containment fish farms. This is a cleaner and more acceptable way to undertake aquaculture in Ireland which will help restore our wild salmon and sea trout stocks to abundance and create many more sustainable jobs, Gbasc said.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) welcomed a recent visit of Dr Jed Wright from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, an expert in habitat assessment, protection and restoration programmes for Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine.

Dr Wright spent a day viewing weirs on the rivers Nore and Slaney and was impressed by the innovative fish passage techniques used to support fish migration efforts. He also gave two informal talks dealing with riverine habitat restoration and barriers assessment in Maine.

IFI’s Dr Cathal Gallagher, said: “It is important that Ireland shares expertise in dealing with difficult issues associated with restoration of damaged rivers and habitat, particularly when addressing Ireland’s commitments under the Water Framework Directive.”

Due to a cancellation, John Quinlan of Thatch Cottage Fishing Lodge in Waterville, Co Kerry has availability for his special “Fishing with Henry Gilbey” trip in August at a reduced price (+ 66 9474 721; info@thatchcottageireland.co.uk).

Don’t forget to get your entry in before July 18th for the world cup fly fishing championship on Lough Mask. The competition starts on July 30th with the first of four heats to determine the qualifiers for the final on Monday, 3rd August.

This year’s brochure includes a special tribute to the late president Robbie O’Grady and a number of changes to the prize schedule with the addition of high value fly rods.

Entry forms are available from Esther Sweeney, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo (087-2222 867) or visit at worldcuptroutfly.com.

Trout win

The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association (ITFFA) recorded an impressive win at last weekend’s home international river championship on the North Kildare and Salmon Anglers’ Association water on the Liffey.

Irish captain Peter Doherty finished head and shoulders above the four nations to claim the Moc Morgan Trophy, and Rob Bending from Wales caught the biggest fish with a real rod-bender of 39.5cm.

Results: 1, Ireland, 43 points; 2, England, 49pts; 3, Wales, 50pts; 4, Scotland, 67pts.

Match anglers from across Ireland travelled to Castleblayney last Sunday to take part in a charity event, hosted by Ballybay Angling Association. The competition was the initiative of Liam O’Brien and Sheila Bromley who first ran it last year raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

The 76 anglers fished the Black and Yellow Island sections of Lough Muckno competing for prizes donated by local businesses, tackle and bait suppliers. Fees, sponsored cards and donations brought the total raised to over 2,200.

After an absence of almost 30 years, Newry Coarse Fishing Club has reformed with the aim of promoting angling in the Newry area, and to get the canal back on the map for match angling. New members are welcome and entry fee is a modest €20 for adults and €5 for juniors (newrycoarsefishac@gmail.com).

Leixlip Anglers’ Association wish to thank Dublin tailor Louis Copeland for his generous sponsorship of a new shield for a July sedge competition on the river Rye in Leixlip. The club is offering fly fishing only on the Liffey and Rye from €5 a day or €20 for the season, with catch and release only. Contact Kevin Tipper at 085-831 2110.

angling@irishtimes.com