Angling Notes: We simply must solve the mystery of why so many Atlantic salmon are dying at sea, the president of North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (Nasco), Dr Ken Whelan, told delegates at last month's 23rd agm in Saariselka, Finland.
A report from the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (Ices) confirmed that wild Atlantic salmon populations remain at very low levels despite severe reductions in commercial salmon fisheries.
A move to promote Salsea, an international research initiative aimed at unravelling the reasons behind the decline, has gained momentum since its endorsement by Nasco last year. Funding is now available to support essential research on distribution and movement of salmon at sea.
In an effort to maximise the number of salmon returning to their native rivers, the meeting adopted measures to limit the West Greenland mixed stock salmon fishery to internal consumption (estimated at 20 tons) and, the Faroe Islands fishery to be managed in accordance with the best scientific advice.
These agreements are particularly significant this year in light of the continued poor status of the resource and the fact that Atlantic salmon gather to feed around the waters of these two countries.
The meeting also agreed to increase research activities and to set 2008/9 as target dates for intensive marine research cruises. It also adopted a focused approach towards national threats and welcomed the fact that restrictions on ocean fisheries remained intact.
In another important step, delegates were informed of the progress in implementing recommendations from a two-year internal review process. In this regard, a guiding theme sought ways to improve transparency and inclusiveness.
President Whelan said: "I am really pleased both Nasco and its 27 observer non-government organisations (NGOs) are benefiting from our closer relationship. More than ever, NGOs will be helpful in spreading Nasco's message. In the end, exchanging information can only be good for wild Atlantic salmon."
Next year's agm. will be held in Bar Harbor, Maine, US, from June 4th to 8th. Contact hq@nasco.int.
A new D-class inshore lifeboat for Howth was officially named the George Godfrey Benbow at a ceremony at Howth Harbour recently. The lifeboat, which replaces the Marguerite Joan Harris, was made possible through the generous donation of Mrs Beatrice Townrow and named in honour of her late father. Howth lifeboat operations manager Rupert Jeffares said, "The new style IB1 D-class has a wealth of improvements drawn from 40 years of inshore lifeboat design and includes the latest developments in marine technology." Last year the two Howth lifeboats rescued 84 people and was launched 45 times. Contact nstephenson@rnli.org.uk.
Congratulations to Jan de Bakker from the Netherlands on catching a new Irish record torsk (subject to ratification) while wreck-fishing with charter skipper Michael McVeigh aboard Rosguill out from Downings, Co Donegal, last Tuesday. The fish weighed 10.71lb and just pipped the existing record of 10lb 11oz.
Ireland collected the wooden spoon at the recent Ladies Flyfishing Home International at Llyn Brenig in Wales. On finals day hot to cool north western winds somewhat hampered any serious angling.
Ireland's top rods: 1 S Weld (Co Kildare), 2 E Decies (Co Kildare), 3 S McGriskin (Co Leitrim), 4 M Rooney (Co Dublin). Results: 1 England, 2 Wales, 3 Scotland, 4 Ireland.
Despite the fact the main grilse run has not yet arrived the Moy system produced a whopping 505 salmon of which the Moy Fishery at Ballina accounted for 118 fish. David Kirkpatrick landed a beauty of 8.5kg on prawn at the Foxford Fishery.
On the Ballisodare River, the fishery had its best week so far with 197 salmon, all caught below the falls and virtually all between 1.1kg to 1.8kg.
Fishing on the Galway Weir improved even further last week, with 112 salmon landed, including more than 70 to the fly. Salthill's Simon Lenihan took a cracking fish of 7.2kg on fly and three for K Club estate manager Sean McMenamin, also on fly.
Burrishoole began to pick up with a good sign of salmon in Lough Furnace. Local angler Eamon Kennedy accounted for three from an overall total of six.
Annamoe Trout Fishery, Co Wicklow: The fishery is busy with newcomers to the sport and demand is brisk for fly casting tuition. Families are also enjoying the junior bait pond where children and adults alike are experiencing the thrill of catching a trout (Contact 0404-45470).