A new tagging scheme for wild salmon this year will greatly improve information on catches, according to Mr John O'Connor, chief executive of the Central Fisheries Board. Announcing catch returns for last year, Mr O'Connor said this information would help those responsible for developing Ireland's wild salmon resource. He also looked forward to the introduction of a salmon quota system. Last year saw cumulative catches tumble to 180,477 salmon (515 tonnes), a reduction of 57,000 on 1998 figures and the lowest since 1991. While the drift net fishery accounted for 67 per cent of total catch, it was down 26 per cent.
Draft netting also fell 21.4 per cent and other commercial methods dropped from 3 to 1.4 per cent, due mainly to the ending of trapping on the Moy and Corrib rivers.
Angling followed a similar pattern, with catches down by 12.5 per cent on last year and a further 9.4 per cent on 1996-1998 figures. The south-west region recorded the largest catch of 39,806 fish, followed by the north-west at 36,769. (See graph for rod and line returns from all seven regions.)
Vital medical equipment and extra comfort for young patients attending the National Children's Hospital will be sole beneficiaries of a pike competition to be staged at Poulaphouca Lake, Blessington, Co Wicklow.
Now in its third year, the event is firmly established as a main fundraiser for the hospital and last year raised over £2,000. The hosts, Newbridge & District Pike Anglers' Association, is appealing to anglers to support this worthy cause and improve substantially on last year's donation.
Proceedings get under way at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, February 13th from the "viewing" car park near the dam. The competition is open to seniors and juniors and the overall winner will receive a hefty £300 in cash. The total prize fund will exceed £1,000. Entry fee is £10 for seniors; juniors £5.
For further information contact John O'Connor at 088-218 3470.
The River Drowes has produced 17 salmon to the rod so far this season. The biggest fish, a fine spring salmon of 14 1/2lb, is accredited to John Fahy, on a Blue and Silver Devon from the Island Pool, on Thursday last.
Wednesday: Gormanston & District Anglers' a.g.m., Community Hall (old cinema), Dublin Road, Balbriggan, 9 p.m.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679 1881. email: angling@irishtimes.ie