Sir, - These are the preliminary results of official sampling carried out on the Gowla River, Connemara on May 2nd, with staff from both the Western Fisheries Board and Marine Institute present: 17 sea trout were captured, 15 of which were totally clear of lice, while two fish had lice levels lower than has been found on sea trout from nonfishfarming areas such as Sligo and Wicklow.
Following this sample, the Western Fisheries Board issued a press release on the same day stating: "Sea lice again devastate Connemara sea trout . . . The Gowla Fishery, which showed some improvement in recent years is now experiencing sea trout returning with their fins and tails eaten by juvenile lice." In his letter to The Irish Times of June 10th, Mr Forde, assistant manager of the Western Board, who was present at this sample, states that he and five Marine Institute staff "witnessed sea trout post smolts returning to freshwater infested with lice [on the Gowla]."
When faced with this state funded manipulation of facts, figures and ultimately the media, is it any wonder that ISGA continually pleads with the Western Board to be more accountable, credible and responsible in its dealings with our industry? - Yours, etc.,
Executive Secretary, Irish Salmon Growers'
Association,
Dublin 12