Scientists carrying out a fish survey in Glenicmurrin Lough on the Costello and Fermoyle Fishery, near Cashla in Co Galway, have made a significant discovery.
While working closely with the Irish Char Conservation Group (ICCG) last month, they found a substantial population of char still present in the lough. The last sightings date back to 1937.
The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a close relative of the salmon and trout and left behind after the Ice Age ended more than 10,000 years ago. Their colour almost defies description, with vivid orange on the tummy, a halo of gold about the flanks, dotted with large, bold black spots and granite grey on the back.
Some scientists argue that Breac Rua (Irish for char) or red trout, are among the most important species in our native wildlife because it evolved different physical characteristics after being landlocked in different loughs.
Sadly at least 30 per cent of known Irish populations are extinct and many are threatened with pollution, water abstraction and illegal introduction of non-native fish species.
Welcoming the discovery, fishery manager Terry Gallagher, said: "The fact that char were recorded at different locations and depths indicates the population must be significant and, as the species is sensitive to water pollution, to have them present is an indication of high water quality. This is good news for the sea trout in the system.
He also praised the professionalism of the ICCG survey. "They not only confirmed the presence of char but managed not to kill a single sea trout or salmon."
The EU Commission has "requested Ireland to take further steps to ensure that from next year onwards, its wild salmon fishery fully respects a key EU nature conservation law".
The EU statement emphasises the need to ensure 2006 is the last year of drift netting for salmon in Ireland. The Government's statement of March 24th, committing it to fully adhere to scientific advice in 2007, is now reinforced by demands of the EU.
"We must look to the Independent Salmon Group to design a fair scheme of compensation for those exiting the industry which will enable an orderly end to drift-netting in Ireland at the conclusion of the current season," says Niall Greene, chairman of Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now. (The drift-net season ends today.) Contact Niall at 086-826 9222.
A new-look website on Ireland's 200-million acre underwater territory was launched recently by the Marine Institute (MI) from its new headquarters in Oranmore, Co Galway.
Redesigned for ease of navigation, the new www.marine.ie website features access to the institute's network of marine data buoys, research vessel schedules, algal bloom database and information on its seven service teams. The site allows access to the MI library and the option to buy DVDs and books from its e-store.
"In today's information society, an organisation's website is the fastest and most efficient method of reaching a global audience," said MI IT manager John Evans. Contact: 087-225 0871.
The Minister for Marine, Noel Dempsey, welcomed his department's response to the new Disability Act. The department's Sectoral Plan identifies key compliance issues and proposes actions to ensure full accessibility for disabled people.
The fisheries boards will prioritise access for anglers with disabilities, and an accessibility audit for fishery harbour centres will be carried out within the year.
The North Western Regional Fisheries Board held its annual juvenile angling day on the Cathedral Beat of the Moy Fishery in Ballina, Co Mayo, last Tuesday week. In sweltering conditions, 37 boys and girls caught eight salmon with many more hooked and lost.
The event started at 7am and the small group of early birds benefited most from. Adrian Murray (15) from Corimbla caught two while Niamh and Conor Finnerty, Attymass, had one each during the first session. As the temperatures soared, the quantity of salmon declined.
The day ended in the Ridge Pool Hotel with a reception. Prizes were courtesy of the hotel's tackle shop and Ballina Angling Centre. Thanks also to Fisheries Board staff who supervised and guided the anglers of the future.
Jimmy Murphy was the toast of Mullingar last week following his capture of a magnificent specimen tope. Murphy was fishing with charter skipper Oliver Finnegan out of Carlingford Lough when he successfully landed a beauty of 25kg. Four additional tope were caught on the day ranging from 15.1kg to 25kg and, according to skipper Finnegan, "the lough is stuffed with mackerel and good codling". E-mail: info@carlingfordlough.co.uk.
Ballinrobe, Co Mayo is the venue this week for the 49th World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championships on Lough Mask on Thursday. After four qualifying days, the finals take place on bank holiday Monday.