Drift nets accounted for almost three-quarters of the total Irish salmon catch for 2000, according to figures released this week by the Central Fisheries Board (CFB).
While the overall return showed an increase of some 40,000 fish in comparison with 1999, the figure is way below par, having reduced by 54 per cent in the past five years.
Last year's catch amounted to 225,400 fish (615 tonnes) and although similar to 1998, showed an improvement on the 1999 catch of 180,477 (515 tonnes).
Mr John O'Connor, chief executive of the CFB, said: "While we welcome the increase, salmon stocks remain at seriously low levels by comparison with historic catches."
An analysis of the rod and line catch revealed the eastern region as a major disappointment with a fall of 35 per cent. The knock-on effect from this shockwave, reflected as a percentage of the total catch, was 16 per cent, down from 19.1 per cent in 1999. However, the other six regions held the line and finished in the black.
The largest catch by all methods was taken in the south-western region (61,982 fish), followed by north-west with 38,677. The drift-net fishery fell to 11.3 per cent and, for the first time, other commercial methods dropped to below 1 per cent. This was attributed to the cessation of trapping on the Moy and Corrib systems.
"The introduction of the wild-salmon tagging and logbook scheme this year will give us more accurate figures and enhance our ability to manage the resource," Mr O'Connor said.
More salmon rivers opened on Thursday last. On the southern Blackwater, three fish were recorded. The first, from the Duke of Devonshire's fishery at Careysville, Fermoy, weighed 8lb. Twelve-year-old Adam Crowe from Dungarvan caught a 9lb salmon on a Devon Minnow at the Blackwater Lodge and Denis Lyons landed a 10pounder at Caple Island.
Two fish were caught on the Delphi, both by John Mills from Armagh and both on a Willie Gunn tube fly. The Lee recorded three but, as yet, nothing to report from the Moy, Shannon or Corrib.
After two years in the job, Mr Godfrey Donohue has decided to step down as administrator of the Dublin Angling Initiative. Hopefully his successor will be imminent as the work of the DAI is important in promoting and improving angling in the Dublin area for all anglers, both domestic and visiting.
Reports of improved angling along the Wicklow beaches helped to coax out more than 180 anglers for the recent open shore competition hosted by Dublin Bus. A minimum size limit of 20cm resulted in over 1,700 fish recorded. Results: Overall winner: Zone 1, E. Bermingham, 37 fish (£1,000); Zone 2, C. Denvir, 25 fish; Zone 3, T. McAdam, 22 fish. Longest codling: 46cm, B. Mansfield; longest flounder: 31cm, T. Gaffney.
Newbridge and District Pike Anglers Association Club is organising an open competition at Poulaphouca Lake, Blessington, Co Wicklow, on Sunday, February 11th, to raise funds for the National Children's Hospital.
While the hospital receives government funding for day-today running expenses it is the charitable donations which enable the purchase of new medical equipment and extra comforts for the young patients.
The Newbridge club is to the forefront in this regard and has raised a very significant amount for this worthy cause (last year's competition raised £3,000). Once again, they are looking for your support, either by donations or participation on the day. For further details, telephone 087-2183470.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679 1881. Email: angling@irishtimes.ie