Sport

Angling Notes: Substantial windfall for our inland fisheries

Proposals for catch-control byelaws in Wales and television series on sea rescues returns

Bretts Weir on the Nore river, one of 16 recipients to receive funding under this year’s habitats and conservation scheme

Derek Evans
Mon Aug 23 2021 - 01:00

Ireland’s inland fisheries has received a substantial windfall following the announcement from the Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021 that €774,000 is to be awarded to 17 projects across 11 counties to enhance fisheries conservation projects, Inland Fisheries Ireland has announced.

Under two separate funds, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF) and the Midland Fisheries Fund (MFF), angling clubs, commercial fishermen and fishery owners were invited to apply for funding to support conservation projects in their local areas.

Financial assistance under SSTRCPF was generated by the sale of salmon and sea trout angling and commercial fishing licences. The MFF was financed through contributions from midlands group permits.

Practising catch and release – the way forward to sustaining salmon stocks

Of the €774,000 allocation approved so far this year, funding went to projects in Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow. Examples include:

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* Construction of rock ramp passageways to make it easier for fish to migrate upstream and downstream of impassable weirs.

* Improvements to water quality by installing fences to stop livestock from entering the river and providing water pumps and troughs for livestock to minimise agricultural impacts.

* Encouraging wild river regeneration by planting native Irish trees and shrubs along riverbanks in combination with fencing.

* Enhancement of spawning and nursery habitats for salmon and sea trout.

* Research to improve national management decisions around sea trout.

* Catchment-focused feasibility studies, habitat management plans, aquatic invasive species plans and environmental assessments to improve river habitats and species.

* Soft engineering works to help regenerate the land and water adjacent to rivers.

Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan said: “The scheme will [improve] habitats, water quality and fish passage at a local grassroots level and will also result in wider benefits for the environment.”

Further allocations of funding may be announced later in the year. The full list of projects can be seen at www.fisheriesireland.ie

Catch-control proposals

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched two consultations on proposals for catch-control byelaws – one on the Welsh side of the river Severn and one on the Wye and Usk rivers.

Anglers and interested parties are earnestly requested to have their say on proposed new byelaws.

Peter Gough, NRW’s principal fisheries officer, said: “There are continuing concerns around the numbers of salmon returning to our rivers and the future of many fisheries is now threatened. Put simply, there are not enough adult fish spawning to sustain stocks at their current levels or to prevent further decline.

“We’re now seeking views on the catch-control proposals which will protect vulnerable stocks while maintaining the important environmental and economic benefits associated with fishing.”

Sea rescues on your screen

A new series of Saving Lives at Sea returns tomorrow evening (Tuesday, August 24th). Tune in to BBC 2 at 8pm to watch awe-inspiring rescues.

If you have an angling story to share, please send to me at angling@irishtimes.com

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