The report from Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association (LSTPA) annual meeting makes for sad reading. Sad to learn last year was one of the darkest in the history of the lake. Sad that one of the finest wild brown trout fisheries in the world is now fighting for survival against intolerable odds.
Sad that having gone through bad days in the past and when improvements looked on the cards in the mid-1990s, all has now been reversed. And unbelievably sad this world-renowned lake has been brought to its knees by our own making.
The problem lies with water quality, the report says. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to see that agriculture nutrients are the root cause of the problem and a key factor in the poor condition of the lake today. Add to this domestic sewage, kitchen-sink waste and industrial waste and you have a recipe for disaster.
Why was the slurry management scheme, which included subsidised transport of large amounts of nutrients out of the Sheelin catchment, brought to an end? Ironically, it was during this time water quality improved and gave hope to all, the report contends.
Long-time adviser on Sheelin, biologist Dr Champ, referred to stock surveys carried out last year. He said wild trout may now be fewer than 6,000. This, compared with well over 100,000 in bygone years, is a dismal statistic. Even these small numbers could repopulate in time provided the young fish entered a clearer and healthier lake, he said.
On a brighter note, an EU directive states water quality must be brought up to standard by 2007, and a new sewage treatment plant at Ballyjamesduff is now up and running. These offer hope and are to be welcomed.
The LSTPA is committed to the restoration of Sheelin and, working alongside local, national and European authorities, is determined to restore the lake to its rightful position. It simply will not settle for anything less.
To join the association or to offer support, please contact the secretary, Mr Eamonn Ross, Dring, Ardlougher, Bally connell, Co Cavan. Telephone: 049-9526602.
In response to last week's request by Mr O'Loughlin for historical information on fishing rights of Erne waters (Belleek area), Mr Philip Leonard from Newry emailed to say he might be of some help.
As deputy chief fisheries officer for inland waters NI from 1967-1982, he acquired the fishing rights of the Erne river from the upper limit, about a quarter mile above Roscor Bridge, to the Border at Belleek, for the NI Department of Agriculture fisheries division in the early 1970s. For this he had to research the ownership.
Lough Erne (bed and soil and all rights) was transferred to the NI government from the Crown Estates in 1927. If there was a law suit which went to the House of Lords it should be in the law records, obtainable from a friendly solicitor, he says.
The Laune salmon catchment plan received a major boost on Thursday with the presentation of two cheques for £10,000 and £2,800 to the Minister for Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Fahey, from representatives of the Laune Catchment Management Group.
Commenting on the event, Mr Barry, chief executive of the South Western Fisheries Board, said the cheques "signify an important milestone in the evolution of catchment management for the Laune and Ireland".
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 6791881. Email: angling@irishtimes.ie