ANGLING NOTES:AN extract from the Irish Seafood National Programme 2007-2013 is very interesting from a salmon conservation perspective.
It reads: “Concerns arising from the public and statutory consultation process were raised by the fisheries boards [now Inland Fisheries Ireland] and supported by DCENR (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), with regard to the negative impact that sea lice emanating from salmon farms could be having on migratory wild salmonids.
“To address these concerns, it has been decided that no financial assistance will be given to marine salmon aquaculture licence- holders during the course of this National Programme until such time as the sea lice issue has been satisfactorily resolved.”
In a follow-up statement, Údarás na Gaeltachta says that no further capital investment is required as there is sufficient capacity and capital requirement available to cater for current operations. Capital grant aid to the salmon farming industry is provided under the National Seafood Programme and where there is a National Programme in place, funding is provided by the programme and not through Údarás.
The Esk District Fishery Board in Scotland has announced that Usan Nets, owned by the Pullar family, has agreed not to kill sea trout this season, according to the Atlantic Salmon Trust.
This conservation measure recognises that the potential value of South Esk sea trout can be realised only if allowed unobstructed passage to the river. It is understood that compensation will be paid.
“In the spirit of this welcome decision of the Pullar family, it is important that anglers restrict the numbers of sea trout killed. There are signs that stocks are improving, and this measure will ensure every chance is given for that trend to continue,” the trust says.
- After a gruelling three-day contest on the River Ebro in Chiprana, Spain, the inaugural world catfish classic concluded last weekend with a win for the two-man team from the Netherlands.
A total of 36 catfish caught on opening day weighed a staggering 1,198kg. The biggest fish of 73kg was caught by Thierry Lang of France.
The Berkley France team of Sebastian Francois and Jeremy Josserland broke all expectations on the second day with a new world catfish classic record of 91kg (201lb).
On the final day, the Netherlands team of Ron Beugelink and Arnout Terlouw, having blanked the previous two days, were now catching one fish after another. The pair went on to win the classic by just 600g over their rivals from the Berkley USA team, with a total of 268.30kg.
Flying the flag of “Friends of the Ebro”, before the event the organising committee cleared more than 10 tonnes of rubbish from the banks to restore the area to its natural beauty!
- Once again, the mid and upper beats of the Moy produced the best fishing last week with more quality grilse in the 3kg range, according to fisheries officer Bryan Ward. Total catch for the river was an impressive 296 salmon.
The East Mayo Anglers’ water out-fished all other beats. Notable catches included one of 5.4lb (12lb) on the fly for Manfred Kauert, Germany, while Gerard Malcoste, France, also found the fly productive with two for 3.2kg (7lb) and 5.4kg (12lb).
- Rainbow trout are actively feeding on dry flies and minnow from the Avonmore River, says Brian Nally of Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow.
On warmer days buzzer hatches resulted in some good catches to 2kg (4.4lb), including a nice 1.1kg (2.5lb) brown trout. Fish are also responding to Klinkhammers, Black Gnats and Black Beetles.
The bait pond is open every day during the summer and a stretch of the Avonmore River was opened recently for small wild brown trout fishing. Fly casting tuition is also available by phoning 086-2598563.
angling@irishtimes.com