Angling Notes/Derek Evans:Following the formation of a task force in 2005 to combat the spread of Lagarosiphon major, otherwise known as African weed, the battle still goes on today to eradicate this deadly water weed that has the potential to occupy a full water column.
The weed is already causing consternation in Lough Corrib, with significant weed stands evident in the lake. It forms dense infestations and poses serious problems for angling, boating, tourism and the environment. Indeed, it can also cause fish kills through oxygen depletion.
Originating in southern Africa, the weed is believed to have migrated into Corrib from ornamental garden ponds and also spread by wind dispersal, boat movement, angling equipment and, possibly, wildfowl.
Dr Joe Caffrey and his team have worked tirelessly to "stem the tide" and devise a formula to control, and, if possible, eliminate this invasive alien species. It was therefore befitting for the central and western regional fisheries boards to welcome Dr John Clayton to Galway earlier this month, where he delivered an enlightening talk on the problems of Lagarosiphon major in New Zealand hydro lakes.
Opening the seminar, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, said he was genuinely interested in eradicating the species and returning Corrib to its natural beauty. As a means of removing non-native species from a range of lakes in his homeland, DR Clayton devised a management strategy that has proven to be very successful. This included eradication, control of large beds and prevention of inter-lake spread. With his years of experience and research in the area, Dr Clayton recommended a plan to help curb further spread of the weed to other parts of Corrib and, indeed, further afield to areas of natural beauty around the country.
Thanking Dr Clayton for his talk, Dr Caffrey said he would "put what he had learnt into practice on the lough very soon."
• The first national catch and release incentive scheme came to an end last Friday. Anglers were encouraged to release their salmon catch back to the wild throughout the season and provide a log of the catch to the Central Fisheries Board (CFB).
Elaborate merit pins will, in turn, be awarded on the following basis: gold for 15 salmon, silver for between 10 and 14 and bronze for between five and nine salmon caught and released. Applications were required to be sent to the CFB, Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin by close of business last Friday.
• Despite a difficult start to the season, the Middle Varzuga River on the Kola Peninsula in Russia managed 5,715 Atlantic salmon in just five weeks to 166 rods (equal to 35 fish per rod per week), according to Sean O'Donoghue.
Tour operator Roxtons has agreed a week for 12 Irish anglers from May 16th in 2008 and there is a vacancy for the last two rods. The cost is €3,800 with return flight from Stansted a further €1,295 including tax. A Russian visa costs €150.
"It is truly a remarkable fishing experience," said O'Donoghue. For further details, tel: 087-2630047.
• The AGM of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers will take place this Saturday in Carrigaline Court Hotel, Carrigaline, Co Cork, commencing at 10.30am.
• The European Federation of Sea Anglers (EFSA) will hold an open shore competition in the Kilmuckridge area of Co Wexford on Sunday, November 18th.
Check-in at Seán Óg's Hotel from 9.30am with fishing times between 1 and 6pm. Entry details from Warren Doyle, 98 Seacrest, Bray, Co Wicklow. Tel: 086-8069961 (evenings) or e-mail warrendoyle@iol.ie
• The Loughs Agency held an open pike competition earlier this month at Baronscourt Estate, Co Tyrone. About 80 anglers from across the country attended and the event was hailed as the biggest event of its kind to be held in the northwest. Although the hoped-for big pike failed to emerge, most anglers hooked fish, with the largest weighing in at 4.5kg. All fish were returned and a significant number tagged by Dr Ken Whelan to assist research into pike growth and population.