Norwegian Institute for Natural Research film shows impact of sea-lice on salmon

OF ALL the salmon farming nations, the largest one, Norway, has remained the most open and frank at official level about the impact of sea lice on wild juvenile salmonids, even if they have found a way of overcoming it.

If evidence was ever needed of the damage sea lice can inflict on Atlantic salmon and sea trout, then for a good 14-minute rundown on the nature of sea lice scourge, see youtu.be/SqA4PL40ATE.

The short documentary was produced by the Norwegian Institute for Natural Research (Nina).

Fisheries negotiations

The Minister for the Marine, Simon Coveney, has welcomed the outcome of the international fisheries negotiations concluded recently in Norway on the management of mackerel in the northeast Atlantic for 2015.

The quota for Irish fishermen will be 89,000 tonnes which, with the exception of last year, is the highest for many years. Mackerel remain our single most valuable fishery and the agreement provides a high quota, stability and certainty for the pelagic fishing industry.

“Perhaps the most important aspect of this agreement is that the quota, for the first time in many years, is set in line with scientific advice and that advice shows that the mackerel stock in the northeast Atlantic is in a very healthy condition,” the Minister says.

From an angling perspective, mackerel is easily the most sought-after species in the sea. Almost every man, woman and child has, at some stage, ventured out during the summer months with rod and line, or even hand-line, to catch a sufficient number for supper.

My favourite quick way to cook mackerel is to pan-fry. Simply add a small amount of oil to a heated pan and place a fillet, skin side down. Season with salt and pepper, turn after five minutes and cook for an additional five minutes. Delicious!

Plan for waterways

Waterways Ireland invites submissions from angling groups and individuals before commencing the development of a Heritage & Biodiversity Plan for the waterways.

The public are asked to complete a survey on waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Public-Consultation.aspx, or by downloading from the site. For more info, contact Environment & Heritage Section, Dock Road, Drewsborough, Scariff, Co Clare. Call 061-922141. The survey will close on January 12th.

Waterways Ireland is the navigation and recreation authority for the Barrow, Erne System, Grand and Royal Canals, Lower Bann, Shannon-Erne Waterway and Shannon Navigation.

Match the Hatch

Further to last month’s announcement of a Match the Hatch – Small Stillwater Course with Prof Ken Whelan and Jason O’Riordan at Courtlough Fishery,

Balbriggan

, Co Dublin, on January 17th, some additional information has emerged.

Phase 1 includes a series of slides as an introduction to small still water entomology, including images of what to find in the lake and summary of the life-cycles and sequence of insect hatches throughout the season.

Phase 2 involves collecting and sorting insects into groups along the lake shore. Following lunch, Phase 3 entails going through the fly boxes and tying in the imitations with the natural animals. Emphasis will be placed on how the insects, crustaceans/snails move and how the flies move in the water.

Finally, Phase 4 covers angling approaches, gear, still water tackle, techniques and set-ups. To book, contact ken.whelan@hotmail.com or joriordan0@gmail.com. A place on the course would make an ideal Christmas gift!

Coalfish resurgence

With the present inclement weather, angling is virtually at a standstill, however, some hardy shore anglers report a resurgence of coalfish along the east coast from Killiney to Arklow, along with the ever-present dogfish and small whiting.

Good

-sized perch Loughs Ennell and Derravaragh are producing good- sized perch and worth checking out over the Christmas break, according to angling guide, Michael Flanagan.

angling@irishtimes.com