ANGLING NOTES:THE Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) has called on governments to regulate sea lice control on a bay-by-bay management structure. In a policy document, it said: "This approach offers the best chance of protection to wild salmon and sea trout within salmon aquaculture areas".
Supported with scientific advice from Prof Ken Whelan on the presence of sea louse on wild salmon, AST says the new approach could be summed up as a “local solution to a local problem”.
Experience has shown that the impact of salmon cages on lice loadings on wild salmon and sea trout differs from one bay to another. This is dependant not only on how well salmon farmers control lice, but also on migration routes, feeding patterns, currents and weather patterns.
The AST is convinced this new policy offers the best chance of success “in a world where salmon aquaculture is undoubtedly here to stay in countries where it has become established”.
Meanwhile, international flyfishers and salmon conservationists are invited to avail of a DVD of the film Home for Salmon that premiered at Bafta in London and is due for release today.
Those interested in the Atlantic Salmon Reserve Conservation Program should contact info@Kharlovka.com to receive a free copy of the DVD.
In return, a donation to the North Atlantic Salmon Fund would be appreciated, at: nasfworldwide.com/donations/donate.html
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John Conneely, director of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Western River Basin-Ballina, refers to concerns raised by Salmon Watch Ireland (SWI) in last week’s Angling Notes relating to enforcement of wild salmon tagging regulations on the Moy.
“Firstly, I wish to confirm that IFI is actively enforcing tagging regulations throughout the Moy system. The run of salmon to the Moy appears to be the most prolific for some years. The unusually dry weather has resulted in a large build up of salmon in the state-owned tidal waters of the Moy.
“Angling on these waters is strictly controlled and access is limited in terms of numbers of permits sold. IFI–Ballina is confident that no breaches of tagging regulations occurred on these waters.
“However, following the floods from July 11th onwards, large numbers of salmon commenced their migration from these tidal waters. The fish spread throughout the catchment and most fisheries, the majority of which are privately owned, experienced very productive angling.
“In some cases, the number of permits sold on these fisheries was not limited and demand soared when fishing was good. Hundreds of anglers enjoyed very productive angling for over a week.
“Fisheries protection staff came under extreme pressure to enforce tagging regulations during that exceptional week and some breaches of tagging regulations may have occurred.
“IFI concurs with the call from SWI for stakeholders and anglers to comply with tagging regulations and to urge anglers to return logbooks as returns in recent years have been disappointing.”
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Leinster Trout Angling Federation of Ireland qualifier for the inaugural four-nations fly-fishing bank international is scheduled for Lough Aishling, Edenderry, Co Offaly, next Sunday, fishing is from 11am to 4pm. Entry fee is €40. Entries by Thursday to Brian Lynch at badrina@eircom.net
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The 4th Irish Game Country Fair will take place at Birr Castle, Co Offaly, on August 28th/29th. This year’s show includes a range of new attractions and promises to be a national showcase for country sports.
The fair will host one of the best outdoor angling shows ever mounted in Ireland in the picturesque setting of the lake and with a range of quality tackle stands in Anglers’ Row.
angling@irishtimes.com