Warning from Norway of moves to adopt tougher measures on sea-lice over resistance to treatments

NORWAY’S Food Safety Authority has warned it will get tougher on enforcing sea-lice control. A report by the country’s veterinary institute showed that sea lice resistance to treatments is growing, and farmers are struggling to keep levels under the maximum limit.

“The level of sea lice, especially those that are soon adult and can lay eggs, is in many cases worryingly high. The situation can fast become unsustainable,” said director Kristina Landsverk.

“Norwegian regulation says farms must have fewer than 0.5 female per fish in a cage. This is a maximum limit and not a recommended limit. It means the farmer needs to implement measures before this limit is reached and not after,” said Landsverk.

This year’s mild winter and higher temperatures could affect wild salmon, trout and farmed salmon, and those who fail to keep sea lice levels in check can be ordered to harvest their farm by the Norweigan food safety authority.

“Farmers and the industry must take this more seriously and take responsibility to avoid the sea-lice situation to spiral out of control,” said Landsverk.

Straid talking media

I joined the Northern Ireland media angling group last weekend for a day’s fishing, a chat and a most enjoyable dinner in nearby Corr’s Corner Hotel. Along with my BBC colleague, Diarmaid Fleming, we travelled to Straid Fishery in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, to celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary event.

Straid is a 22-acre lake with 14 boats and one mile of bank fishing plus two smaller bait ponds. Of the 16 media personnel, 12 opted for the boats (with electric engines) and the rest settled for bank fishing.

Strong blustery squalls prevailed throughout the day, however, 21 rainbows were recorded and released including three over 48cm. Irish international Lawrence Gibb, fishing with Larry Nixon, excelled with eight fish to win.

Afterwards, Larry jokingly said: “It was an embarrassment for me to watch Larry catch all those fish, particularly as I could not even catch one. He is an exceptionally good angler.”

‘Nomads of the Tides’

The official launch of Ken Whelan and Chris McCully’s book

Nomads of the Tides: Fishing for Irish Sea Trout

, took place last weekend in Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina, Co Mayo.

The event, sponsored by Mayo Naturally and Mount Falcon, attracted over 40 people and the talks relating to the book were well received by the assembled audience.

Ken described the fascinating glacial history and the magnificent creature that is the Irish white-trout while Chris spoke about the five-year odyssey which underpinned the making of Nomads.

Well-known photographer Gardiner Mitchell provided invaluable tips on taking angling shots, including capturing images of sea-trout at dusk and at night.

Two of Ireland’s best fly-tyers, Denis O’Toole and Declan Tuffy, gave demonstrations of tying their favourite sea-trout patterns.

On the Moy again

With a reported catch of 260 salmon, the River Moy again proved its position as Ireland’s most productive salmon fishery. On the Ridge Pool, Kevin Clayton had a fine 10lb fish on fly, while Jimmy French (NI) had a 10 pounder on the Weir Pool, also on fly.

On East Mayo Association water, anglers enjoyed good sport on the fly. Michael O’Keane (NI) did exceptionally well catching three and Gunter Profanter, Austria, was also successful with two salmon.

Connemara record

Screebe fisheries manager Trevor Down reported a fine 22lbs springer on the Salmon Pool by Patrick Delapp. This is the biggest fish recorded at Screebe in 130 years. To book, 091-574110 or screebe.com.

First salmon on Inagh

Lough Inagh had its first salmon of 2014 by Mark Walton (Sligo) on a size 10 Sedgehog. The fish weighed 8.25lb and was taken at the top of the lake. Fisheries manager Colin Folan landed a nice 8lbs fish from The Derryclare Butts on a size 10 Blue Delphi. Call 095-34706 for bookings.

angling@irishtimes.com