Sir, - Richard Flynn's diatribe against the Save Our Sea Trout lobby was appalling to say the least. There is a very simple explanation for the improvement in the Northern Ireland sea trout catches. High-water levels resulting from one of the wettest summers on record permitted greater access for the stocks into what are mostly spate rivers. Furthermore, the poor catch returns being recorded by the Northern Irish commercial sector is further evidence that this is the case.
The small salmon farm mentioned by Mr Flynn appears to have inherited much the same problem as its counterparts in the Republic, albeit on a smaller scale. Since this farm was established, the number of sea lice recorded on trout and salmon have increased and escaped farm fish have become a common occurrence for both angling and commercial fishermen.
Subsequently, a sea trout caught as recently as July 6th of this year had no fewer than 293 juvenile and 18 adult lice attached. Is this not a serious infestation? While Mr Flynn can afford to be dismissive and complacent about the issue being raised, his attitude brings little comfort to those of us who are concerned with the future of our indigenous fish stocks. - Yours, etc., James P. McKillop,
Hon. Secretary,
Glens Angling Club,
Cushendall,
Co Antrim.