Bluefin tuna survey applications now open to charter skippers

Charter skippers can now apply for the 2022 bluefin tuna scientific survey programme, as scientists confirm that more than 1,100 of the largest tuna in the world have been successfully tagged and released through the programme in the last three years.

A maximum of 25 authorisations can be granted to qualifying skippers around the Irish coast and the fishery will open on July 1st and close on November 12th.

The programme is a collaborative initiative between Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Marine Institute in partnership with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.

Between 2019 and 2021, some 1,136 bluefin were caught, tagged, measured and released, with the largest measuring 2.75m and weighing an estimated 372kg. All were carefully managed alongside the vessel, subject to strict guidelines and released alive.

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Data collected to date is now complete and ready for reporting to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna.

The core aspect of the Tuna Chart programme is the welfare and successful release of the bluefin. Skippers are required to have high-specification rods, reels and line in advance of the open season.

Anglers have an opportunity to participate in this important study by fishing from authorised vessels only. Unauthorised vessels are not permitted to target or catch bluefin and any unauthorised person found to be targeting bluefin is liable to prosecution.

Charter skippers are being invited to apply to join the 2022 programme between February 14th and 28th, by filling out an application form online at fisheriesireland.ie/bluefin.

Salmon on the Drowes

As of Thursday last, four salmon have now been caught on the Drowes river. The first fish of 2022 was caught in mid-January by Garrett Byrne, weighing 12lb; the second, weighing 7lb, fell to Paul Cardy on a banana fly on the upper mill pool. Michael Adamson from Dublin landed an 8lb fish also from the upper mill pool on a Blair spoon; and on Sunday last, Michael Patton from Ballyshannon caught a six-pounder on prawn.

Killarney symposium

The 2022 European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication symposium, will be held in Randles Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry, on June 20th and 21st.

Four themes have been identified for the symposium relating to inland fish stock assessment; developments in freshwater fish monitoring technologies; assessing the impacts of climate change on freshwater fish and their habitats; and the role of citizen science. The fifth theme will focus on the pros and cons of traditional systems compared with recirculation aquaculture systems.

Admission fees include early bird (by April 1st – €120); students €80. Later payments will incur an extra charge of €20.

Key dates to note: February 18th – abstract submission closes; March 25th – notification of acceptance letters; March 28th – registration of presenting authors closes; April 1st – early-bird registration closes; June 13th – registration closes and also deadline for submission of manuscripts/presentations.

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