Angling notes:Responding to the recent draft regulations of the proposed wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme, the Game Angling Federations (GAF) congratulated the Government on its decision to end mixed-stock salmon fishing. In a statement covering the report, GAF said it is ready to engage positively with the State's fishery authorities for the return of salmon abundance.
This approach has the backing of the National Anglers' Representative Association (NARA), the Salmon and Sea Trout Recreational Anglers (SSTRA) and the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland (TAFI). The terms are also supported by Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now campaign.
While recognising the need for an interim arrangement for the management of salmon fisheries in 2007, there are aspects of the draft regulations that require considerable amendment before completion. The general framework is unacceptable as it stands, according to GAF.
It says the report seems to treat the salmon angling community as one to be corralled rather than brought into partnership with the State. In contrast, recent reports by Farrell Grant Sparks and Independent Salmon Group recognise the significant contribution to Ireland's salmon fisheries made by the angling community. "This experience needs to be recognised and responsibility of the angling portion devolved to them."
Concern was expressed by GAF at the proposal to impart so much power to regional fishery boards in the allocation of harvestable surpluses. Instead, overall responsibility should lie with district salmon management committees. In forming these committees the minister should include the lion's share of responsibility to stakeholders involved in individual fisheries, GAF said.
Also unacceptable to GAF is the continued inclusion of former drift net lisencees having a voice in the division of surpluses between the angling and remaining commercial sector.
An additional point in the draft report recommends the sale of rod-caught fish. "This recommendation totally confuses the separate roles of recreational angling and commercial exploitation, and is strongly opposed by all game angling federations and the vast majority of anglers," according to GAF.
Commenting on the Foyle System, the federations said: "Now that mixed-stock fishing for salmon has been eliminated in the Republic it is time for the two governments to empower the Loughs Agency to take similar action on the Foyle, and to take account of the terms of the Jefferson Report.
Billy Cathcart from Cullybackey, Co Antrim, is the first angler to catch and release a wild salmon of the new season. The fish was caught at 2.45pm on opening day on the River Drowse in Co Leitrim and weighed 4.5kg. After carefully playing, the fish was released unharmed. William Campbell from Co Fermanagh also released a second fish caught later in the day.
For this worthy gesture, Cathcart netted a €500 tackle voucher donated by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board and a cheque for €1,000 sponsored by the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) towards a charity of his choice. Cathcart chose the Cancer Research Unit at Belfast Hospital.
The first salmon of 2007 was caught by Derek Jermyn on the Drowse at 8.50am on opening day. Jermyn, who hails from Cavan, caught the 3kg fish on a Black Flying "C" in the Eel Pool on Lareen Estate, Kinlough, Co Leitrim. Proceeds from the sale will also be donated to charity.
John O'Connor, CFB chief executive officer, said: "I am delighted to see anglers embracing the new conservation initiative recently introduced by the Minister for the Marine. I would like to congratulate Billy and William for their participation in this initiative." Because of new legislation restricting the closure of many unsustainable salmon rivers, the Drowse was the only river to open in Ireland on New Year's Day. As a result, more than 200 anglers descended on this delightful premier spring river. At close of play last Thursday, four salmon were caught, all off Flying "Cs", and two released. One angler lost a good fish on the fly, according to assistant fishery manager Bill Likely.
Anglers should also note that a €250 prize for the best catch and release photo (salmon only) will apply before March 17th. Photos to be sent to paul.bourke@cfb.ie
The annual general meeting of Dublin Trout Anglers' Association will take place on Friday, January 26th, in St Michael's College, Nutley Avenue, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, commencing at 7.45pm.