The Ballina Salmon Anglers Association is to close its angling waters along the river Moy in Co Mayo when the salmon season opens on February 1st, over ongoing disagreements with Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey.
The anglers adopted the measure at an emergency general meeting. Members also voted to comply with a recommendation from the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers that affiliated clubs defer the purchase of salmon rod licences until further notice.
President of the anglers federation Josephine Egan, who is also chairwoman of the Ballina Salmon Anglers Association, said anglers were concerned over regulations for draft-net fishermen who fished at the mouth of rivers.
"We have to take very strict measures, we will not open the river until the Minister agrees to a meeting. Rod anglers are restricted from February 1st to May to just catching one salmon, then you are not allowed a second salmon until May 13th."
The angling club leases two stretches of the river Moy - the Verschole stretch and a State-owned stretch under the auspices of the Northwestern Regional Fisheries Board.
Both stretches will be closed to all anglers, including tourists, according to Ms Egan.
A spokesman for the fisheries board said the board was meeting this evening and the matter would be discussed.
Many local businesses benefit directly from angling tourism, according to the local chamber of commerce. The chamber has been active in promoting angling tourism in the area and has spent €120,000 in a co-ordinated initiative last year, a spokeswoman said.
Other issues of concern to anglers include the security of tenure for the renewal of angling club water licences, fish farm pollution, protection of salmon stock, angling tourism plans and rod licence revenue.