Following successful negotiations by the Minister for Marine, Mr Michael Creed, at the recent fisheries council meeting in Brussels, the European Union has introduced new regulations for the Irish seabass recreation fishery, which will operate on a catch-and-release basis for 2018.
Initially, the EU proposal was for a complete ban for six months and a catch and release fishery for six months.
The new rule states: "In recreational fisheries, including from shore, in International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) divisions 4b, 4c, 7a to 7k, only catch-and-release fishing for European seabass shall be allowed. It shall be prohibited to retain on board, relocate, tranship or land European seabass caught in that area."
The regulation sees a consistent approach being applied throughout the Irish coastline.
Bass anglers have an extremely positive approach to bass conservation, catch and release, and the requirement for good handling in order to maintain the species and their recreational activity.
Anglers, through their conservation-oriented ethos, have been the key stakeholders in supporting research into bass stock status over the past five years by providing catch and fish stock data, which has underpinned provision of scientific and management advice.
Economically, the bass recreational fishery is extremely valuable to rural coastal communities.
According to the National Strategy for Angling Development document, the total direct expenditure of anglers from all markets on Irish bass and sea angling is in the region of €52 million and €116 million respectively.
Inland fisheries funding welcomed
The Minister with responsibility for inland fisheries, Sean Kyne, has welcomed the funding of €2.2m to 115 angling development and conservation initiatives as part of its National Strategy for Angling Development, Salmon Conservation Fund and Midlands Fisheries Fund.
A selection of projects which received the greater funding includes a development plan (2014-18) for angling, tourism and conservation on the Creeslough Fisheries in Co Donegal which encompasses the Owencarrow River, Glen Lough and Lough Natooey. The award is (€223,750).
In Co Mayo, the erection of disabled angling facilities at Cuilbaun, Tawnaghbeg, Straide and Foxford was secured by East Mayo Anglers' Association. The award is €154,087.
On the Bunowen River at Ahascragh, Co Galway, a funding of €120,000 was granted to Inland Fisheries Ireland for the construction of a rock ramp.
“I would like to congratulate the applicants who have been awarded this funding. They include fisheries habitat conservation projects and the provision of infrastructure and equipment to allow for improved access to angling. Education/youth initiatives and projects aimed at attracting increased numbers of tourist anglers also attracted funding,” Minister Kyne said.
Fish in ‘biting mood’
A most enjoyable get-together during the festive season at Annamoe Fisheries in Co Wicklow proved the ideal tonic for a group of hardy anglers. Considering the lake was frozen over the previous day, conditions on Saturday were ideal and the fish were in biting mood.
Ronan Meghen came out tops with six trout and over 20 were landed and returned. Thanks to Brian Nally for use of his facility and Stuart McGrane for organising the event. A donation will be forwarded to Wicklow Hospital.
Waiting for salmon
At time of writing the early season salmon rivers open have yet to yield a fresh fish. Gale force winds and heavy rain reduced rod days to a minimum. Both the Drowes and Liffey are presently in flood mode. "Apart from a few kelts, we await our first salmon," Drowes proprietor, Shane Gallagher said.
angling@irishtimes.com
