ANGLING NOTES:FOLLOWING the success of last year's pilot project, Inland Fisheries Ireland has extended the Salmon Conservation Scheme for a second term and applications for funding are now invited for 2012.
An incentive to participate this year is the substantial increase in funding, now capped at €200,000. However, while projects may receive different proportions of funding, the maximum value of each project is set at €10,000.
The objective of the scheme is to facilitate the rehabilitation of salmon stocks, and priority will be given to the 98 rivers below their conservation limit which have the greatest prospect of recovery.
Applicants are obliged to outline the benefits of their project, and declare if statutory approval is necessary, such as planning permission. It should also be noted that as the scheme is funded by salmon licence contributions, projects may qualify for match funding from other sources, such as Leader.
Examples of what projects can be funded include: fish passage improvement, spawning enhancement, in-stream structures, river bank protection, fencing, riparian zone improvement and removal and control of exotic invasive species.
“In this era of reducing resources, stakeholder involvement is crucial to ensure the conservation of our salmon stocks,” says Pat Rabbitte, Minister for Natural Resources.
Application forms are available on fisheriesireland.ie and must be returned completed by March 31st, following which evaluation will take place.
* The artificial March Brown (pictured) has a fantastic reputation as a fish taker even if the natural insect does not exist on our rivers or loughs. It is a great all-round fly that trout often mistake for a number of different insects.
The pattern has a number of variants including the Silver March Brown, a great attractor and fry imitation. “I have often put one on after a late rise, fished downstream and stripped back. It has given me some decent fish,” says fly-tyer Jimmy Tyrrell. Available at irishflycraft@ gmail.com and 086-8451257.
* Following extensive renovation, the National Maritime Museum will reopen in March. Housed in the Mariners’ Church in Dún Laoghaire, the exhibits previously included various marine artefacts, models of famous vessels and the Old Bailey light and a library.
In the refurbished building, it is intended to include a section dedicated to marine life such as fish and birds from around the Irish coast. “I have been given the task of setting up the section, however, like all museums, exhibits consist of, and are dependent on, objects contributed from many diverse sources,” Hugh O’Rorke said.
To find out more about this innovative idea, contact Hugh at hororke@gmail.com or 086-3724676.
* Professor Ken Whelan will hold a Water Craft Course on Feb 11th and 12th from 10am-4pm at the Southern County Fishing Resort, near Bagenalstown, Co Carlow.
The course is ideal for anglers and club members who wish to learn about life in Ireland’s freshwater rivers and lakes and how to use the river insects to assess water quality.
Rain gear, warm waterproof clothing and rubber boots are essential and accommodation can be arranged locally, if required. Class size is limited to 20. The cost is €175 and includes a soup and sandwich lunch each day.
Southern County has 10 acres of lakes and is little more than one hour from Dublin. To book, contact 087-8373032, southerncounty.ie or ken.whelan@hotmail.com.
* The 10 per cent off all Christmas gift vouchers for Mount Falcon is an ideal gift on Christmas morning. Vouchers are redeemable against fishing packages, dinner in Connaught’s “Best Hotel Restaurant”, and more. Available at 096-74472 and mountfalcon.com.
angling@irishtimes.com