Angling Notes/Derek Evans:Extreme caution is required for boat and angler movement following the discovery of zebra mussels by fisheries staff in Ross Lake, Rosscahill, Co Galway.
Zebra mussels are an invasive species that can seriously damage an existing ecosystem and threaten native water life. Ross Lake is very popular with coarse anglers from across Europe and linked to a chain of lakes that ultimately enter Lough Corrib in Moycullen Bay.
Anglers are requested to refrain from fishing the lake in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the infestation to Corrib, Mask or Carra. All fishing equipment, especially keep-nets, pose an extremely high risk and must be disinfected and dried prior to use in another water.
Fragments of zebra shells were found in the stomachs of coarse fish and further research confirmed a significant presence in the lake. As a precautionary measure, no boat movement should take place from Lough Corrib, Ross or Ballyquirke Lakes.
At an emergency meeting of the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative, alarm was expressed that despite a concerted awareness campaign, other lakes in the region are now under serious threat. Lough Corrib Lower is especially vulnerable as the water from Ross Lake eventually enters lower Corrib.
Anglers are also reminded that movement of live fish as bait, from one water to another, is illegal. For further details contact Greg Forde at 087-2527388.
• In a separate development this month, Galway County Council was fined for a major fish kill in the Clarin River, Athenry, which occurred last July. A pump malfunction wiped out trout, salmon, minnow, lamprey and eels in a 600m stretch of the river.
Dissolved oxygen levels of 12.7 per cent saturation were recorded in the affected zone near Athenry Castle, where 100 per cent would be normal. The discharge lasted three days before being remedied.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy in Athenry District Court fined the council €1,000 with expenses of €2,010 and costs of €600. Contact Kevin Rogers at tel: 087-2527397 for further information.
• The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) is to roll out an information campaign to create awareness of new pike and coarse conservation bylaws. Following a number of incidents involving netting of coarse fish and illegal angling methods, the board has produced large information signs in nine languages.
In addition, a leaflet detailing the laws in the same languages as listed on the signs is available on request. This small pocket-sized leaflet will be distributed to tackle shops in the region and available to order from the ERFB website www.fishingireland.net.
The assistance of anglers and angling clubs to report incidences of illegal activity is greatly appreciated by the board and will be acted on immediately. Anyone found guilty of poaching can expect a substantial fine and seizure of fishing equipment.
• Recreational Angling Ireland (RAI) hosted a training day at Gulladoo Lake, Carrigallen, Co Leitrim recently at which 24 beginners received free instruction by RAI-approved instructors.
The "Programme for Beginners" included a talk by David Browne on safety, and instruction on rod and tackle assembly by local expert Tony East.
RAI is a non-profit voluntary organisation financed by the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, and Irish Sports Council, with the objective to organise angling tuition throughout the 32 counties.
At Gulladoo, the beginners landed pike, roach, bream and hybrids. Carmel McGovern caught the largest fish, a pike of 3.6kg.
A sea-fishing outing is planned for this Saturday (June 2nd) at Dunmoran Strand, near Ballisodare, Co Sligo. For application forms, contact David Browne at 087-9249346.
• Did you know that on May 11th, 1984, the world record bream was caught in Hagbyan Creek, Sweden by Luis Rasmussen? The fish weighed 6kg.
Information courtesy of Merlin Unwin Books 2007 Calendar.