Anglng Notes: The crucial decision to be taken over the next few days by the Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey, his Minister of State John Browne, and departmental officials will, I believe, determine the fate of our wild Atlantic salmon for future generations.
Following the historic resolution reached by the National Salmon Commission (NSC) two weeks ago for the cessation of indiscriminate exploitation of mixed salmon stocks in Ireland at the end of this season, the Minister and his team still command the final say and have, effectively, until the end of this month to do so.
The vibes from marine headquarters are encouraging. Speaking on a recent RTÉ Questions & Answers programme, Mr Dempsey hinted he would abide by the NSC recommendations. Although, he said, there are still a number of matters to be considered.
Speaking at the Slaney River Trust agm in the Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, Co Wexford, last Friday week, Minister of State John Browne said there was "a commitment given by Government and the Marine Minister that we would, in 2007, accept the scientific figures. We will be making decisions within the next week or so and putting a package to Government from our department," he said. While the end to salmon drift-netting off the Irish coast appears to be nearing a conclusion, the question of compensation for fishermen exiting the fishery is of primary importance to secure a harmonious and long-lasting outcome to this whole debacle.
NASF, the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, under the chairmanship of Orri Vigfusson, has stated on numerous occasions it will not be found wanting in this regard. It has already put forward a viable compensation plan and will share costs with the Government.
Substantial contributions will also be required from fishery owners, the tourism sector and anglers (in the form of increased licence fees) to meet exchequer requirements half-way. The latest total buy-out figure to my knowledge stands at approximately €30-€35 million.
Meanwhile, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has called on the Government to introduce a buyout scheme for fishermen involved in salmon drift-netting. The IHF chief executive John Power said the Minister is in a unique position to make a real impact on our angling tourism.
"The fact is that anglers are staying away because of poor conservation practises and lack of fishing in rivers once teeming with salmon. Since 1999 the number of salmon angling tourists coming to Ireland has halved from 54,000 to 27,000 per year.
"We ask the Minister to put in a comprehensive plan but to equally ensure the main beneficiaries are not drift netsmen fishing in the estuaries, as this would be self defeating in terms of restoring stocks," he said.
According to Mr Power, angling tourism is currently worth €55 million to the economy every year and has the potential to add a much-needed boost to regional tourism. The value of a salmon caught by an angling tourist is estimated to be €423 compared to €50 for one caught by draft-netting.
There was a time when Ireland enjoyed a thriving angling tourism business, but the rapid decline and the failure to conserve stocks has seen the business cut in half. The Government's inactivity in the past has seriously damaged a key tourism asset that was the envy of other countries, he said.
Concluding, Mr Power said: "At a time when we are seriously trying to increase visitor numbers to the regions and competing head-on with other destinations, it is entirely incomprehensive that one of our most important assets continues to be undermined in what can only be described as total negligence of our natural heritage."
• Michael Sweeney and Liam McHugh from Edenderry, fishing on Lough Conn last weekend caught and returned 18 trout, mostly in the 0.2kg to 0.68kg range, with Bibios and Black Pennels proving most effective. Local anglers John Walsh landed a good trout of 0.9kg on a shrimp pattern while Joe Quinn hadone at 1.1kg on a Pearly Dabbler.
• The first trial of the 2006 season for the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association will be held at Castlewellan Lake, Co Down, (near Newry) on Saturday, April 1st. Entries must arrive before Friday, March 24th, and registration on the day begins prior to 10.15am in the car park. The competition runs from 11am until 5pm.
The trial will form part of the league to select a team to represent Ireland in an international event on Graffam Water, England, in 2007. Contact Susan Brown at 0044 7788 426340 for registration form.
• Thorgeir Gustavsen, head international judge of the International Casting Sport Federation (ICSF), will be instructing a judge's qualifying course at Clonbur, Co Galway, on April 1st and 2nd, in preparation for the forthcoming 2006 ICSF World Championships and Emerald World Masters in Carton House, Co Kildare.
• For further details, e-mail emeraldworldmasters@eircom.net or 094-954 5766.