SALMON Watch Ireland (Swirl) is deeply concerned about the recent decision of the Minister for Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, to re-open licensed commercial fishing in Castlemaine Harbour in Co Kerry.
Swirl considers the decision to be a departure from the policy on mixed stock fishing for salmon adopted by the government in 2006.
This policy was in conformity with the standards established by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation and the conservation requirements for protected species set out in the EU Habitats Directive.
In its submission to the Minister on the draft statutory instrument establishing the quota, Swirl says the management advice put forward by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is not in conformity with the scientific analysis derived from a pilot fishery conducted in the area in 2010.
In addition, Swirl says processes laid down in the Habitats Directive for the carrying out of an appropriate assessment of the reopening of the fishery has not been followed and they will pursue that matter with the EU.
In effect, the advice given to the Minister by IFI involves the abandonment of any effort to rehabilitate the threatened salmon stocks in the Behy and Emlagh rivers and increases the exploitation of other rivers on an unmeasurable, mixed stock basis.
High water levels and a seal made angling difficult for my annual visit to the Ridge Pool on the River Moy in Ballina, Co Mayo. Ironically, a similar experience at this time last year of severe flooding forced me to cancel the Cathedral Beat and Judd Ruane for sea trout in the estuary.
The “fly only” rock was breached last weekend by a flood descending from the Ox Mountains – and a seal chasing salmon– which put paid to any serious fishing. Even those worming and spinning found it difficult to entice a fish. Indeed, just two salmon and two small trout fell to these methods.
The seal showed up around lunchtime and made several lunges forcing salmon against the West Rock. “There were three of them here a few weeks ago. It’s about a five-mile round trip from the sea,” gillie John Howley said.
Prior to my visit this year fishing had reached premium levels, with more than 2,500 salmon recorded including some really big spring fish. “We await with bated breath for our main grilse run to start,” Moy Fishery manager Declan Cooke said.
During the 2010 season, the river produced more than 12,000 rod-caught salmon, and the past five year average stands at 9,105. The estuary also provided great sport for those with sea trout in their sights.
In selecting Ballina as the Salmon Capital of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland took into account a raft of services to entice anglers to take holidays in Co Mayo. With lively pubs, a variety of restaurants and places to stay, it’s all there in Ballina. For more information on angling hotspots in Ireland, visit discoverireland.ie/angling. While in Ballina, I stayed at the refurbished and renamed Ballina Manor Hotel alongside the Ridge Pool. From my window I had a bird’s eye view of this majestic salmon water.
Waterville Fisheries Development Group (WFDG) in Co Kerry is hosting a fly-fishing sea trout catch-and-release competition on Lough Currane on August 12th and 13th. All proceeds will go to the work of developing their magnificent fishery.
A John Meagher Angler’s Fancy 19ft lake boat awaits the winner plus many additional prizes. Entry fee of €180 includes dinner on finals’ night. Competition limited to 50 competitors.
Entries to WFDG secretary, Tackle Shop, Waterville or secretary@loughcurrane.com.
There is still time to enter the World Cup trout competition on Lough Mask if you apply before Wednesday. Entries, to include €130, to Esther Sweeney, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo or 087-2222867.
angling@irishtimes.com