Angling Notes:FURTHER to the proposed salmon farming unit for Galway Bay and, indeed, those earmarked for possible installation along the western seaboard, Conor Francis Sheehan from Limerick has an idea well worthy of consideration.
Conor suggests: “Instead of open cages and the trouble they cause to the sea-environment, what if fish could be raised in ship-like structures anchored in suitable locations?
“Natural seawater could be drawn in by pumps and equally discharged at the other end. The effluent and food waste would simply settle in the bilges and periodically removed by purpose-built barges to be disposed as fertiliser on land.
“There would be no contamination of the seabed and surrounding waters and sea- lice would not be attracted to the site. Redundant vessels could be adapted for the purpose or new vessels specially designed.
“Fish reared in such a secure system could not escape and would be unable to interbreed with wild stocks,” he concludes.
This appears to me to be an excellent idea.
March to the Skipper Expo
A demonstration to draw the Government’s attention to the concern throughout the country towards BIM’s proposal for a salmon super-farm in Galway Bay will take place on March 2nd. Convening at Eyre Square in Galway City at noon, the march will proceed to Claddagh and then Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill for the Skipper Expo.
The demonstration has the support of national angling federations, environmental NGOs and Salmon Watch Ireland.
Fantastic fish-takers
“The Fiery Brown Bumble is a popular fly among lough fishermen and is a pattern I am frequently asked to tie,” says Jimmy Tyrrell.
“Bumble patterns are fantastic fish-takers and have great movement in the water when retrieved. If I am using this pattern for sea trout I like to add a couple of jungle cock feathers to the cheeks, it gives it a bit extra,” he says.
See irishflycraft@gmail.com or call 086-8451257.
Figures for 2012 RNLI rescues
Figures released by the RNLI show that the 44 Irish lifeboat stations launched 939 times in 2012 bringing 1,041 people to safety. The figures also show that the majority of call-outs were to pleasure craft, accounting for 482, while launches to fishing vessels were 115.
In comparison to 2011, last year saw a drop in launches from 983 to 939 but a rise in people rescued from 906 to 1,041. Dún Laoghaire RNLI brought the highest number of people to safety, with 76 rescued in 46 call-outs.
Call to Connacht women
As captain of Connacht ladies shore angling team and member of Galway Bay SAC, Fiona McDonagh is anxious to hear from fellow Connacht sea anglers with a view to competing for their province in the All-Ireland Ladies Inter-Provincial Championships.
“It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, it’s just about introducing you to competitive fishing and building a panel of five to compete against the other three provinces,” she says.
A gold medal will be awarded to the winning province and the top five anglers from the cumulative scores will form the Irish team which travels to Wales in 2014 to take on Scotland, England and Wales.
If you are interested in representing Connaught from the shore, or interested in sea-angling, please contact: connpc@eircom.net.
National Angling Expo
Meet fly-casting instructor Glenda Powell and top angling experts at the National Angling Expo in the National Show Centre, Swords, Co Dublin, (near Dublin Airport) on February 16th-17th.
For kids who want to take up angling, visit the Dublin Angling Initiative Stand and explore Ireland’s fish species and workshops. Call Hugh Bonner 086-8239607.
angling@irishtimes.com