Angling Notes: The Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) has allocated €100,000 for new research on salmon behaviour at sea, writes Derek Evans.
The money will be used to get a better understanding of the impact of trawl nets, predators and fish farms, and is the largest grant the conservation body has ever given.
The first phase next spring will focus on the use of research vessels to test equipment and methodology at sea. These trials will be of benefit to the internationally-agreed SALSEA (Salmon at Sea) programme, which is scheduled to commence in 2006 under the auspices of NASCO, the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.
SALSEA will determine where salmon go at sea and how they use the ocean's currents and resources. It will also identify factors regulating their migration and overall survival at sea.
There is now universal agreement among scientists that the decline in Atlantic salmon stocks is due to poor marine survival. Despite an improvement in the freshwater environment, numbers have fallen by more than 50 per cent in the last 30 years. Gaining a better understanding of the problems facing salmon at sea offers the best chance to reverse the decline.
AST research director and project leader Dr Dick Shelton said: "As the improved management of salmon rivers has flowed from a thorough understanding of freshwater requirements, the time has now come to apply the same approach to their needs at sea."
AST funds will allow new research, using the latest tagging technology, on the impact of seals on salmon and sea trout, and better management of fish farms to enable depleted salmon rivers to recover their former prosperity. AST executive director Seymour Monro said: "We believe this research is the most important ever carried out on salmon." For further information, tel: Andrew Graham-Stewart at 07812-981531.
Alphonse Island Fishing Company in the Seychelles has become known as one of the finest bonefishing and saltwater experiences. There are more than 40 species to tempt on the fly including the legendary milkfish. With its four-star facilities, the resort is also an ideal holiday destination for non-fishers and families.
Frontiers Travel now offers an opportunity to experience this at a reduced cost. The weeks of January 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th are available on a first-come first-served basis for $3,995 (€3,078). This is a $1,000 (€770) discount based on double occupancy and a shared guide and skiff.
Contact Peter McLeod at london@frontierstrvl.co.uk
Around the fisheries
Annamoe Trout Fisheries, Co Wicklow: Water temperatures are still holding at nine degrees, allowing trout to continue to feed on minnow. Lures on intermediate line retrieved slowly along with buzzers proving best. Rathdrum angler Bob Gilbert won €50 courtesy of a tagged fish.
Results of Airflo Winter League (Heat 3): 1, P. Doyle (Co Wexford), 5 fish; 2, R. Phillpot (Co Wexford), 4f; 3, M. Francis (Co Wicklow), 3f. Heat 4 is scheduled for Saturday, November 20th. (Tel: 0404-45470.)
Corkagh Park, Dublin: Local angler John Daly used a combination of cat's whiskers and dabblers flies to land a 3.5lb rainbow and topped his bag with 12 smaller fish.
Tallaght angler Noel Foley managed a fine common carp of 6lb on his first attempt at carp fishing (Tel: 01-4592622).
Maynooth Fisheries, Co Kildare: The fly lake is fishing well for the time of year. Michael Cazabon landed several fish, the best weighing 12lb on a small dry fly, and Roger Fowler had 25 on bobbies and buzzers. Bigger fish during the week included four to 6lb for Brian Payne.
Popular patterns include cat's whiskers and small spider imitations. The carp lake is proving a little harder. Three fish for syndicate member Steven Fitzsimons included a 25lb 7oz mirror carp and John McDonnell landed four to 22lb. All were caught on boilies. (E-mail:info@maynoothfisheries.com)