SPEECH: Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Mr F O’Dowd)
I am pleased to be able to provide clarification on the issue of Bye Law 888 which was introduced with effect from 1st January 2012.
Bye Law 888 2011 will shortly be revoked and replaced by Bye Law 897 2012. This change will have the effect of removing a number of provisions which had unintended consequences in the implementation of Bye Law 888.
Following concerns raised with Inland Fisheries Ireland on some elements of the Bye-law, the CEO and senior management within IFI met with a delegation from the Angling Council of Ireland which included representatives from all of the major angling disciplines and federations.
Angling Bye-law 888 2011 prohibited persons using or attempting to use worms, prawn or shrimp as bait or any fish hooks, other than single barbless hooks, in angling for any kind of fish in the waters of rivers named within the Bye Law.
The angling delegation also raised the matter of the adequacy of consultation carried out in relation to the array of Statutory Instruments / Bye-Laws implemented from the 1st January 2011.
The position is that all of IFI’s 2012 fisheries management proposals were published on my Department’s website during the normal statutory 30 day consultation period. While this was part of the proposed salmon management regulations, it is recognised that those proposals had the potential to ultimately effect coarse and pike anglers. These anglers would not necessarily have had reason previously to examine the consultation documents for salmon management and hence they did not appreciate the significance of the proposed Bye-Law.
Following discussion with the Angling delegation, it has been agreed that for future years, in addition to publication on my Department’s website, the advisory/consultation documentation will be sent directly to the main angler representative bodies in advance of sign off. The angling representatives can then disseminate to their members and other interested parties.
There was also some concern at the banning of prawn and shrimp as an angling bait on Catch and Release salmon fisheries. Given that the use of prawn and shrimp as bait can be compatible with catch and release angling in the right conditions, it is proposed to remove this element of the Bye-Law and only restrict the use of worms as bait which is not compatible with catch and release angling.
A number of other issues arose in relation to the interface between the river and sea and where the worm fishing ban starts and stops and whether it is the use of terrestrial worms (Lumbricus) or marine worms (Arenicola, Nereis) or both which is banned by the Bye Law. This is a very valid issue.
On any of the salmon fisheries which are either closed or opened on a “catch and release only” basis and which have a tidal /estuarine element to them, there are clearly demarcated lines as to where freshwater fishing is considered to stop and marine fishing is considered to start. The spirit of this Bye-Law is to stop persons purporting to fish for other fish species when in fact they are fishing for salmon. In this regard the clearly acknowledged bait for salmon fishing is terrestrial worms so an angler fishing with marine worms (lug worm (Arenicola) /rag worm (Nereis)) will have no difficulty.
A clear communication to the angling communities concerned on how this element of the Bye-Law is going to be implemented will help to resolve this issue and the similar issue of the use of single barbless hooks. However it is not proposed to make any adjustments so as to mark in law each of the transition areas between freshwater and marine angling as this would be overly cumbersome and would set an unnecessary precedent.
In addition a number of specific regional issues that were raised with IFI, as a result the River Fergus System and the Kilcolgan River will now be excluded from the bye-law.
The marketing and promotion material for the Eastern River Basin District (ERBD) was also discussed. It was suggested that promotional material does not refer to the ban on the use a single barbless hook and a ban on using worms as bait.
This issue actually relates to Bye-Law 824 of 2007 which is now five years in existence, rather than Bye-Law 888. However in general when providing such information in promotional material it can easily mean that the brochure can quickly and unintentionally be taken as a guide to angling legislation rather than the intended function of encouraging people to fish.
Bye-Law 824 of 2007 was enacted after the production of some of these publications and that is why it was not referred to in the material. However, in the ERBD brochure update in 2007/2008 there is reference to the prohibition on the use of worms on any hooks other than single barbless hooks. Unfortunately it is not always possible to reprint on an annual basis so brochures have been designed in so far as possible to maximise their shelf life. This can on occasion lead to brochures becoming out of date, but IFI place up-to-date information on its website and its staff do seek to clarify and be of assistance to anyone who gets in touch..
IFI intend to ensure that reference to the relevant Bye-Law is included in all updated versions of promotional brochures and where space is at a premium clearly indicate that people should consult the IFI website for full up to date information.
In conclusion Bye-law 888 is to be replaced by a Bye-law which will incorporate the following changes.
Reference to banning prawn and shrimp as angling baits be removed from the Bye-Law
Remove the River Fergus System from the Bye-Law
Remove the Kilcolgan River from the Bye-Law
All other issues can be dealt with through giving a clear communication of the spirit and intent of the Bye-Law and how it is going to be implemented.
Annual General Meeting Notice
The Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 10th of March 2012
in Sports HQ, 13 Joyce Way, Park West Business Park, Dublin 12. Time 11.30
The ACI recommend all clubs that have balsam on their waters to get
involved by registering with Inland Fisheries Ireland and support their
initiative to help protect our rivers and lakes
This is the 11th ACI / Coaching Ireland certified angling coach course.
It is a one day course and is part subsidised by Inland Fisheries
Ireland
These courses are open to all affiliated federation club members.
The full programme of coaching and CPD courses will be published here
shortly.
Atlantic Salmon Federation News: Milestone Report Confirms High Value and Esteem for Wild Atlantic Salmon 11th January, 2012
St. Andrews... Gardner Pinfold Consulting Economists Ltd. of Halifax concludes that wild Atlantic salmon were worth $255 million and supported 3,872 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs in eastern Canada in 2010. The firm&rsquo:s study confirms that Canadians hold a special place in their hearts, and pocketbooks, for restoration of this iconic species.
TheFishSite Latest News: Shetland&rsquo:s Lost Salmon Cages Found 10th January, 2012
UK - The 12 drifting salmon cages containing 300,000 fully grown fish which went missing from the Shetland isle of Unst during the Christmas gales have been taken under tow.
ShetlandNews reports that the Danish tug Westsund took hold of the cages at 10.40am on Sunday morning as they lay in relatively calm waters 60 miles east of Shetland.
The salmon tender Orcadia is also heading to the scene from Orkney to assist with the tow, which Shetland coastguard said was making very slow progress on Sunday afternoon.
The 12 cages lost their moorings off the south coast of Unst when westerly winds reached more than 100mph on Christmas Day in Shetland.
Owners Meridian Salmon managed to attach a tow using their well boat Victoria Viking on 30 December, but the operation had to be aborted due to the strength of the tide.
The cages went missing again until Friday when they were spotted by Marine Scotland’s fish patrol aircraft Watchdog64, and the Shetland whitefish trawler Opportune kept a close eye on them until Westsund arrived.
The company said the fish had a sales value of more than £3 million and the loss was a serious blow, however they have said it has not deterred them from farming salmon in Shetland.
It is understood that two of the cages are submerged, but it is believed they are still attached to the others. The salmon are unlikely to have survived the two week ordeal.
Fisheries Awareness Week 2012 21st December, 2011
Inland Fisheries Ireland announces the third annual Fisheries Awareness Week which will be held from May 12th to 20th, 2012. The aims of the week are:
To encourage adults and children alike who may never have fished before to take up a new hobby
To work with angling clubs and organisations to promote all types of angling
To promote the role the fisheries service has in protecting and conserving our fisheries resource
IFI will be both organising and running events, as well as supporting events organised by other angling organisations and communities across the country during the week.
Events are planned on a daily basis nationwide and the range of events offered are not only angling events but some giving an understanding of the roles carried out by IFI. Most events are free, open to all, of any age or ability, to attend. Experienced anglers, coaches or IFI staff will be at all of the events to offer advice and show newcomers how to fish, or improve their skills.
Clubs, associations, coaches, guides, skippers can all run their own events. As well as supporting the week this is an excellent opportunity to boost club memberships, fishery bookings, coaching sessions and even to sell equipment. Register an event at www.faw.ie.
Most anglers first fishing experience is organised by friends or family. That makes existing anglers, the most important gateway to angling there is. So as an individual angler what can you do? Encourage someone to attend an event — better still go with them.
Generous lady anglers 21st December, 2011
Inland Fisheries Ireland has for a number of years been running very successful ‘Ladies casting days’. These events are aimed at introducing ladies to fly fishing. The days have been organised and supported by Mark Corps (IFI Angling Advisor) plus other IFI staff and run by the only Irish ladies casting coach Glenda Powell.
When initially setting up the ‘Ladies casting days’ it was decided not to charge participants. However all taking part in the day would be asked to make a donation, however small to the Irish Cancer Society. The ladies have proven to be very generous and this year was no exception.
So following two ‘Ladies days’ run this year. One held at Rathcon Fishery (as part of Fisheries Awareness Week) and the second at Annamoe a grand sum of €1045 had been donated.
This money was recently handed over to Nuala Collins from the Irish Cancer Society by Justine Cavanagh (an IFI staff member who has herself taken part on one of the ‘Ladies days’)
Inland Fisheries Ireland 2012 Sponsorship Programme 16th December 2011
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2012 Sponsorship Programme. Applications are invited, by January 27th, 2012 from organisers and event promoters that will support the aims of the IFI sponsorship programme.
The IFI Sponsorship Programme aims to increase awareness of IFI, its work, recreational angling, the sustainable commercial use of the inland fisheries resource, and habitat issues. IFI may support events on the basis of the location and nature of the event; the potential of the event to introduce new users to angling in an active capacity, i.e. not just as spectators; to educate and inform stakeholders of angling, environmental, commercial salmon fisheries and habitat issues.
In launching the programme, Minister Pat Rabbitte, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources stated that &rsquo:the sustainable use of our wonderful inland fisheries and sea angling resources must be promoted. People of all ages can enjoy angling in urban and rural settings, off charter boats and beaches and on quiet river sides. In addition, traditional commercial fisheries add value to small local communities, while biodiversity awareness ensures a sustainable resource for all'. Acknowledging that budgets are reducing he stated that 'I would like to commend Inland Fisheries Ireland for supporting their stakeholders' efforts to conserve, protect, promote and develop the inland fisheries and sea angling resource'.
Applications and details of the sponsorship programme can be downloaded from www.fisheriesireland.ie, from Bridie Fleming, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Swords Business Campus, Balheary Road, Swords, Co. Dublin. (01) 8842600 or your local IFI office.
Sisters will be doing it for themselves at the ladies fly-fishing day!
(Places still available) 1st September, 2011
On Saturday the 22nd October Inland Fisheries Ireland will again be holding an introductory ladies fly fishing day in aid of Action Breast Cancer at Annamoe Trout Fishery near Glendalough in Co. Wicklow. These events are free, open to any lady and run from 10.30 to 16.00…Click here for more info
New publication highlights Irish species at risk of extinction 6th October, 2011
A new Red List of Irish Amphibians, Reptiles & Freshwater Fish has been published. While most species were considered to be of least concern, six of our 15 native fish species (40%) and one of our three amphibians (33%) have been classified as Threatened.…Click here for more info
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Refurbished Ballina Salmon Weir opened by the Taoiseach, Mr Enda Keny, TD 2nd September, 2011
The Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, TD officially opened Inland Fisheries Ireland’s refurbished salmon weir located on the River Moy in Ballina today. In his address, the Taoiseach congratulated Inland Fisheries Ireland, the former North Western Regional Fisheries Board and the project management team on the successful completion of a complex and difficult project. The total cost of the project was in excess of €1m which was 85% funded from licence and permits sales on the Moy…Click here for more info
Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshops
Child Protection in Sport Awareness Training courses will take place in Clare on the following dates:
Wednesday 28th September
Wednesday 12th October
Wednesday 26th October
Wednesday 9th November
Each course will be held from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and will take place at:
the Clare Sports Partnership Offices. Cost €20pp
Prior booking and payment is essential
For further information: cathy@claresportspartnership.ie
Notice to Connaught Anglers August 01st, 2011
The Angling Council of Ireland (ACI) is hosting an angling seminar in Breaffy House Hotel Castlebar, Co. Mayo at 2pm on Sunday 14th August 2011.
Two men convicted for illegal netting of Salmon in the Waterford Estuary July 21st, 2011
At a sitting of the District Court held at Ardcavan, Co. Wexford on the 20th of July 2011, Judge Donnacha O’ Buachalla convicted Richard Butler Junior and Richard Butler Senior, Duncannon, Co. Wexford for illegally drift netting for Salmon in the Waterford Estuary. All drift netting for Salmon has been made illegal on conservation grounds since 2006. The offences took place at approximately 3am on the 27th of August 2010.
Salmon Fishing on the Suir - Brown tag Fishery opens July 20th, 2011
Salmon Rod Licence holders may once again catch and retain a salmon on the River Suir. The Suir will reopen on August 15th as a brown tag fishery and the season will end on September 30th, 2011. During this period Anglers in possession of a valid salmon licence, a blue tag and a brown tag may catch and retain one salmon in the period using a single barbless hook. Use of worms is prohibited. Any fish retained must have both tags correctly attached.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) provides this communication on foot of requests from ACI membership relating to Board Members, and the Inland Fisheries Ireland Corporate Plan.
Following meetings with the various Angling Federations during the period July to December 2010 it is appropriate that a progress update is communicated at this time. In order to maximize the use of resources, IFI will communicate this and similar updates to ACI for distribution to its members.
Salmon Watch Ireland slams ministerial statement on salmon farms and sea lice.
(5 January 2011) � The following statement was issued today by the Board of Salmon Watch Ireland :
�On 22 December last the Minister of State, at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF), Mr Sean Connick TD, issued a statement with the headline �Minister Connick welcomes improvement in sea lice management on salmon farms�. Minister Connick has responsibility for the licencing and regulation of salmon farms within DAFF. The occasion of his statement was the publication by DAFF of its annual report on the incidence of sea lice in salmon farms and on progress on the implementation of DAFF�s �Strategy for improved pest control on Irish salmon farms�, published in May 2008.
The point at issue between the Minister and Salmon Watch Ireland , and others concerned with the protection of wild salmon and sea trout, is the harm being done to wild salmonids by inadequately regulated salmon farming. The environmental impact of salmon farms is considerable and, in Ireland, virtually uncontrolled with the sea lice concentrations generated by farms having a lethal impact on juvenile salmon and sea trout migrating to feeding grounds in the sea in late spring each year. These impacts have been well researched in all major Atlantic salmon farming countries (Norway, Scotland, Ireland and Canada), including within studies funded by the EU Commission.
The reality is that the regulation of the salmon farming industry in Ireland is a shambles at virtually every level and does no credit to any of the political, administrative and technical public servants responsible for designing and implementing an effective regime for its management. Until there is a serious and honest effort to address all of the issues associated with the industry then its potential for orderly development (which has been the subject of numerous reports over the past twenty years) will never be realized and serious and unnecessary damage will continue to be inflicted on wild salmonid stocks.
In fact, there is little for the Minister to welcome in the DAFF report and rather than commending its authors he would have been well advised to have demanded answers to some serious questions about progress in eliminating the negative environmental impacts of salmon farms. There is, for instance, no comment anywhere in the Minister�s statement or in the report to the fact that the Irish authorities are being vigorously pursued by the EU Commission to bring the management of salmon farms into conformity with EU Habitats Directive protections for wild salmon, on foot of a complaint lodged with the Commission by Salmon Watch Ireland in 2009.
What is clear from the report is that the impact of sea lice infestation on the salmon being farmed is the primary driving force for action by DAFF and the industry and that the now well researched and understood impact on migrating wild salmonid juveniles is very much a matter of secondary concern. Among the recommendations made in the report is one that �the Monitoring Regime and Pest Control Strategy be further developed to accommodate the growing trend towards organic farming�. What this actually means is that the chemical treatment of sea lice should be curtailed so as to maintain the organic status of certain farms rather than being driven by recorded sea lice levels and the needs of the wild stock. This reflects a stance of DAFF going back at least as far as the 2008 report.
The bias in favour of the salmon farming industry is also evident from another recommendation in the report that �the requirement to carry out mandatory treatments would be waived�.on a case by case basis� where the treatment of large fish and/or fish due for imminent harvest is involved. In fact, the report records that such a waiver process, for which there is no formal provision in the current regime, is already being implemented: the report claims that in respect of Kilkieran Bay early harvesting of fish was carried out in 2010 as a result of two successive treatments for sea lice not having reduced the levels to the required limits. The sites in Kilkieran Bay had, in fact, been treated seven times before harvesting took place and this was done in any event at the same time of year has had historically been the case for harvesting at these sites.
In his statement the Minister professes himself to be heartened by �a sustained reduction in the level of egg-bearing lice on farms in spring time�. If he believes that then he must not have read the report itself which records that of the inspections carried out on farms in the Galway/Mayo area during the critical spring period in 2010 (when junior salmon and sea trout are migrating to sea) it was found that in 61% of cases sea lice levels exceeded those that trigger a requirement for treatment and over the year as a whole 53% of inspections detected excessive sea lice levels. To the extent that there was an overall, national reduction in average sea lice levels (a fairly meaningless metric given that the impacts are local) it can in the main be traced to a reduction of production and, therefore, of sea infestations in Kilkieran Bay which has had a particularly bad record over many years.
It is noteworthy that the membership of the National Implementation Group, composed of public servants and private sector representatives, is confined to those concerned with the production of farmed salmon. There are no members drawn from those in either the state or private sectors who have a role in wild salmonid protection and development. Consequently, neither the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources nor Inland Fisheries Ireland, which have responsibility for inland fisheries, have any say in either the formulation or evaluation of measures to combat sea lice or mitigate other negative environmental impacts of the salmon farming industry. The whole history of the past 30 years of salmon farming regulation in Ireland suggests that this exclusion is not an accident.�
For further information contact:
Simon Ashe: 087 996 2424
Niall Greene: 086 826 92
: Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Inland Fisheries Irelands national 24 Hour Confidential Phone Line begins operation tomorrow, December 1st, 2010.. The all important number is 1890 34 74 24 or for easier recall 1890 FISH 24. This phone line is designed to encourage the reporting of incidences of illegal fishing, water pollution and invasive species. Inland Fisheries Ireland staff will investigate the reports and process as appropriate.
From December 1st, the public can call IFI any time they witness illegal fishing or discover a water pollution event. Receiving timely information is critical to apprehending those responsible for damaging fish stocks or fish habitat. The public�s help is also being sought to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can cause millions of euros of damage to the aquatic environment.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, launched the phone line saying � this initiative is vital to our intelligence led protection programme . Our aim is to stamp out the antisocial practice of illegal fishing and to protect the fish and fisheries habitat. With the public�s help, Inland Fisheries Ireland can improve on its successful record of apprehension and prosecution of those involved in illegal fishing and destruction of our inland fisheries resource. I urge all those with an interest in preserving this wonderful natural resource to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 1890 34 74 24�
The phone line will be run on a pilot basis for 6 months, after which time its operations will be assessed and reviewed.
Background to the Phone Line
On July 1st, 2010 Inland Fisheries Ireland was established. It has a national remit for the protection and conservation of inland fisheries and sea angling. It replaces the Central and 7 Regional Fisheries Boards. Heretofore, information was received at individual regional offices and by personnel in confidence. These numbers are still in use and may continued to be used for non-urgent reports. The new 24 Hour phone line will provide the public with one point of contact and will allow IFI to coordinate and direct a more efficient, intelligence led protection function.
How 1890 34 74 24 will work
From December 1st, the phone line will be manned on a 24Hour basis. All calls will be answered by IFI trained personnel, not an answering machine. Details of the information will be logged and the information will be passed on to the relevant person and office in IFI on a 24 hour, 7 day basis. Follow up of calls may be immediate where resources allow and the information is classified as urgent.. Where calls relate to past events, follow up will begin on the next working day.
Callers will be encouraged to provide their personal contact details to allow for further follow up on their information where required.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNMENT ON BEHALF OF IRISH SPORT
We are writing on behalf of everyone who is involved in sport in Ireland; the participants at all levels, the coaches, the administrators, the volunteers and the countless people for whom sport provides much welcome relief from the difficult times we are living through.
We believe it is fair to say that sport has never been more important. Sport has a real capacity to lift everyone in the country whether they participate in any aspect of sport or merely follow Irish sport on television or through the wider media.
And we are talking about the positive effects of sport at every level not just the elite participants, important as they are to us all. What other aspect of life in Ireland gets 270,000 people to volunteer their time on a weekly basis to ensure that 1.7 million people participate in sport in 12,000 clubs, in every parish in Ireland.
It is possibly because of this input from volunteers that there is a popular misconception in some areas that SPORT JUST HAPPENS. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sport as we know it in Ireland today, is the result of good planning, enlightened administration and financial investment particularly by the Government on behalf of all tax payers. That funding is the lifeblood of sport in Ireland and the catalyst for all that follows.
On a purely practical level, for every euro invested by Government the sports themselves invest a further two euros. Research published recently found that for every �100 invested by Government (both National and Local) the return to the Exchequer is �149.
It is the funding that drives the programmes at grassroots and schools level; the programmes that eventually lead to the elite performers that represent us all on the world stage.
We cannot overstress just how important the current funding is to the future well-being of sport in Ireland. While we fully understand the difficulties faced by the country and the pressures to make savings, it would be difficult over-emphasize just how important the impact of the �49.6 million given to sport through the Irish Sports Council is. It is the seed capital for activity and an industry worth in excess of �1.8 billion to Ireland each year.
It is essential that Government funding is maintained if we are to continue to develop sport at every level. It must be remembered only a small proportion goes to our elite performers. Over 80% of the money provided by the Government is invested in sport at grassroots level in creating the programmes that will produce top class athletes and just as importantly help improve the health and wellbeing of our citizens.
Such funding has never been more important. Right across the country clubs at all levels are finding that other sources of funding are drying up. They are finding it increasingly difficult to attract sponsorship, while the subscriptions normally paid by club members are becoming increasingly challenging to collect.
As you will be aware programmes like the Sports Capital Grants and the Local Swimming Pool Programme have been suspended and that is totally understandable in the current climate. While we would love to see them reinstated at some time in the future it would be disastrous for Irish sport if this was in any way at the expense of current funding.
As you will see from this document Irish sport is once again united in making this submission to you. Our single and united focus is that there should be no further cuts to the budget allocated to Irish sport through the Irish Sports Council for current expenditures.
New online Atlas of�Freshwater fish in Irish lakes
This atlas is a collaborative project between the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
The supporting database of freshwater fish in Irish lakes was complied by IFI, with contributions from the Irish Char Conservation Group, and is available to view through Biodiversity Maps.
IRISH SHORE ANGLING TEAM WINS 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Irish Shore Angling team , representing the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, made history for Irish sport this week by winning the World Championship in South Africa last week.
The World Championship, in it�s 27th year, was contested by 16 nations and fished on the beaches of Langebann in the Western Province of South Africa. The event was held in shallow , clear water bays where water temperature reaches 24 degrees, several degrees warmer than the open coastline. This extra heat attracts fish of all species, especially small shark and rays.
Ireland�s previous best finish was a silver position though they have had two individual world champions, Timmy O Sullivan from Kerry and Michael Kearney from Dublin.
The competition was fished over 5 days and the Irish team led from day 2, overcoming the pressure of leading from the front to beat seasoned performers Italy and Spain who finished second and third respectively. Team angling competitions are intense affairs, demanding total concentration, attention to detail and fishing to a plan. The Irish team travelled to the venue several weeks beforehand to practice and devise a winning strategy.
The team consists of five anglers, one sub and a manager. Selection process is by means of a series of qualification competitions run across the provinces by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers. This process, introduced a couple of years ago, is designed to produce the best on-form anglers and now we have the results to prove it.
The result must also be put into perspective considering that the Irish team is mostly self funded by the IFSA and the individual team members. Many of the continental teams are professional sponsored anglers with the backing of substantial funds to travel and fish the venues beforehand.
The IFSA are the National Governing Body for sea-angling in Ireland and recognised as such by the Angling Council of Ireland and the Irish Sports Council. It is a 32 county federation and this years team had representatives from Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and Dublin. Team members were JP Molloy (team captain), John O Brien, Timmy O Sullivan, Mark Beatty and Derek Kenrick. Team manager was Tom Lillis who is also Chairman of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers and the official sub was Brendan Wall.
As well as the fabulous team gold, Irish anglers John O Brien and Timmy O Sullivan finished second and fourth respectively in the overall individual table. As mentioned above, Timmy is a former individual world champion.
This result has sealed a fabulous year for Irish sea angling.. In the 2010 Home Nations competitions, the Irish Boat team and the Irish Shore Under 16�s and Under 21�s teams took gold medals in Belmullet and Scotland respectively.
Congratulations to all involved for a superb result for the team, the federation and the country.
Swim Ireland�s National Child Welfare Conference � "Safeguarding Children in Sport 2010"
Saturday 27 November 2010 IMI, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16
Swim Ireland�s Child Welfare Conference 2010 is aimed at all National Governing Bodies and associated organisations involved in sport to focus on the requirements for safeguarding children in the sporting environment. The aim of this Conference, which is being led by Kate Hills - our National Children�s Officer, is to highlight topics that need to be considered by adults who are given the responsibility of caring for and protecting children involved in sport.
The Conference will take place in the IMI, Sandyford from 9:30am � 4:00pm on Saturday 27th November 2010 Keynote Speakers include:
David Coleman � well known clinical psychologist, author and broadcaster (21st Century Child; Teens in the Wild)
Colm O�Gorman � Amnesty International; founder of One in Four and author of �Beyond Belief�
Topics Covered:
Children�s rights and Sport � how sport can support and help children
Child: parent : coach relationship � when does support become pressure
Vetting and the recruitment process � how to cope with information
Poor practice and complaints � managing a disciplinary and complaints process
Forthcoming legislation changes affecting children � how will this affect our sports?
This important conference is aimed at everyone involved in the welfare of children in sports, including policy decision makers, children�s officers, sports tutors and the administrators of best practice for children.
The conference will highlight areas for Sports Bodies to target for improvement; to raise awareness and give solutions for areas that are difficult to deal with
You will be provided with conference materials, tea and coffee, lunch and an opportunity for you to share thoughts and ideas with others involved in sports.
Conference fee:
�50/�45 (Swim Ireland members �40/�35)
For more information or to book a place at the conference please contact:
Kate Hills, National Children�s Officer, Swim Ireland children@swimireland.ie
Mobile: 0868560672
Notice to all Angling Council Ireland affiliated Federations and Organisations.
The first recognised all discipline angling course to be delivered in Ireland took place in December 2008 under the auspices of the Angling Council of Ireland. Four years in the making, this historic event took place in the HQ of the Sports Council of Ireland covering sea, coarse, game and pike angling.
The course was given to prospective angling coaches by a team of tutors that have graduated from the Coaching Ireland course in Limerick University.
The inaugural course covered Introduction to Angling (Level 0) and was aimed at introducing newcomers to the sport. The courses range from Introduction to level 5 - (International level).
The importance of these courses is that they are recognised by the Irish Sports Council and they introduce coaching strategies developed by Coaching Ireland in partnership with ACI. This development now brings angling in line with all other sports across the country.
The following angling National Governing Bodies are affiliated to the Angling Council of Ireland, Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (IFSA) , Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland (TAFI), Salmon & Sea Trout Recreational Anglers of Ireland (SSTRAI), National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) and Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs (IFPAC). Each NGB now has representation on the tutor panel.
The Coach Tutor Panel members for 2010 are as follows:
IFSA Tom Lillis, Peter Flahive, Eamonn Fogarty and Brian Cooke.
TAFI John Fahey
NCFFI Der Casey
IFPAC Godfrey O Donahue
SSTRAI Bob Seward.
A coaching programme is being rolled out and dates have been set for 2010.
September 11th and 12th (Brochure and application form may be downloaded from this website)
October 16th and 17th Mayo Sports HQ
November 20th and 21st Venue to be arranged.
Recognition of angling as a sport by the Irish Sports Council gives us a base for negotiation with official bodies on issues that relate to angling. The structured coaching approach delivered by the tutors mean that future generations of anglers will be coached in a manner that will benefit the angler and the sport. The individual angler can now use the angler pathway to be coached to whatever level of participation they so wish.
New EU LIFE project launches in lower Shannon SAC
Mulkear River Catchment - 04/05/10
The launch takes place Tuesday, 4th May 2010 of MulkearLIFE, a new €1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (Mulkear River catchment) for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and Otter. The project is led by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board working together with the Office of Public Works and Limerick County Council and other stakeholders to implement the project over the next four years.
CEO of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Eamon Cusack stated "the Board is delighted to be working with its project partners and project supporters in implementing this critically important project". He added, "MulkearLIFE is one of the first and most important integrated catchment management projects in Ireland. The project will be of key importance in supporting stocks and protecting the habitats of Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey and otters in the Lower Shannon SAC while building on the work of the Mulkear Catchment Management Group.
The Board also welcomed the support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Tipperary county councils, local anglers, farming bodies (IFA & ICMSA), ESB, Coillte, Teagacs and the Department of Agriculture. Developing awareness of the catchment, its natural resource and of habitat management among the Mulkear�s many stakeholders will be greatly assisted by the wide variety of project supporters.
At today�s launch Ruair� � Conch�ir, MulkearLIFE Project Manager said, "This is a flagship European Commission LIFE Nature project - one of only two awarded funding in Ireland in recent years. The Project Team is extremely appreciative to receive 50% of its overall funding from the European Union under the LIFE Nature programme". He added, "the project area covers some 650 sq km with a variety of habitats and protected species with much of the area designated as a SAC under the EU Habitats Directive and forms part of the Natura 2000 Network".
Michael Colllins of the Office of Public Works expressed the OPW�s delight at being involved in the project and thanked the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board for their invitation to take part in MulkearLIFE as funding partners. He said, "This is the latest extension of OPW collaboration with the Fisheries Boards that stretches back more than 30 years and has encompassed works on almost all of the major Drainage Schemes under OPW control". The OPW has committed to spending €305,000 on the MulkearLIFE project over the next four years. Staff from the OPW will also be working directly on the project.
John Sheehan of Limerick County Council said that his organisation was proud of its associated with MulkearLIFE and stated, "Limerick County Council will be carrying out a range of supporting project actions including bank protection work, in-stream rehabilitation work and a major programme of control and eradication of invasive plant species targeting Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed on the Mulkear River."
Congratulating the MulkearLIFE team on the launch of the project, Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said, "One of the biggest problems affecting our environment is the destruction of eco-systems by invasive species and loss of habitat. The actions being undertaken by the MulkearLIFE team, its partners and the local community should not only help to restore the natural balance in one of the Shannon�s most important tributaries, but it should also become a model for restoring river catchments throughout Europe to their natural state."
Water too warm for Trout/Salmon
Freshwater fish that favor cool
water are being hard hit by climate change, researchers say. In a new study of populations in the River Wye in Wales, salmon numbers fell by 50 percent and
trout numbers by 67 percent between 1985 and 2004.
WILD salmon could vanish from many of Scotland�s rivers
WILD salmon could vanish from many of Scotland�s rivers unless drastic action is taken to preserve the species, a conservation body has warned.
The Atlantic Salmon Trust, whose patron is the Prince of Wales, said that salmon could disappear from many rivers within just 30 years unless steps are taken to protect the species.
Having fished this majestic river a few years ago I could hardly believe the article below recently sent to me by Vincent Duigan. When stocks collapse in rivers of this magnitude the world has to take note.
Climate change is one of the most important factors in the decline of the salmon stocks.
The Angling Council of Ireland (ACI) is an organisation situated at Sports HQ 13 Joyce Way Park West Business Park Dublin 12. The ACI is jointly funded by the Irish Sports Council for administration purposes and by the affiliated five colleges of angling namely, Salmon and Sea Trout Angling SSTRAI, Trout Angling TAFI, Coarse Angling CAFI, Pike (game) Angling PAFI, finally Sea Angling IFSA. These have been grouped into three categories, Game, Coarse and Sea.
Executive Officers from each of the diciplines above form the committee of the Angling Council of Ireland. The ACI Executive is elected from the committee members at the Annual General Meeting.
The ACI is a central non governmental organisation which aims to support each of the disciplines of angling both nationaly and internationaly. The European Anglers Alliance (EEA) (Ireland) is now incorporated into the ACI and as such business and meetings will be coordinated through the ACI office. The EEA represent Ireland at the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation conferences.
From a recreational point of view, coaching coarses are being developed by ACI and a programme will be put in place shortly to roll these coarses out around the country.
The ACI is the central contact point for the various federations i.e. Federations Internationalde Pesce (FIP's) and the world governing body Confederatsional Internationale de Pesce Sportive (CIPS). In addition ACI have representation on the Irish Specimen Fish Committee.
The Angling Council of Ireland will have a website open shortly where full details of all the important workings of the organisation will be available. All affiliated angling clubs have been requested through their national organisations to pay a €2.00 capitation fee to ACI. It is hoped to appoint a fulltime administrator in the ACI office at Sports HQ shortly.
International Atlantic Salmon Research Board
Unravelling the mysteries of the salmon at sea to promote their recovery
"Finding out why Atlantic salmon are not surviving their sea journey to return to home rivers for spawning is a huge task that cannot be accomplished by one country alone. I am very proud of the leadership NASCO is showing in this critically important area."
Dr Ken Whelan, IASRB Chairman. read more
Why are Salmon Dying at sea?
International Project Uses DNA technology to "Fingerprint" Salmon at Sea
A unique international scientific mission, to investigate the increasing mortality of salmon at sea, sails today (Friday 16th May) from the port of Killybegs aboard the Marine Institute�s research vessel RV Celtic Explorer. The project, SALSEA-Merge, will...read more
LETTER TO CLUBS
In its efforts to streamline the inland fisheries sector, the government is in the process of replacing the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards with a new structure. ........read more
UNREGULATED FISH FARMS THREATEN SALMON PRODUCTION
US - During this year's Global Week of Action, a week devoted to farmed salmon awareness, the Pew Environment Group raised concern about the creation of fish farms in US waters without adequate uniform national aquaculture standards in place........read more
HONOURING THE UNSUNG HEROES OF IRISH SPORT
The Federtion of Irish Sports joins forces with the Department of Arts to hold the 2009 National Awards to Volunteers in Sport.......read more
PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF THE INLAND FISHERIES SECTOR
As part of the overall rationalisation of State agencies that the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2009, a new national inland fisheries body is to be established which will replace the existing Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards.......read more
NEWS - INVASIVE SPECIES
Anglers are asked to be on the lookout for this invasive species.
Recently, the freshwater mysid, Hemimysis anomala, was found at Dromaan Harbour on Lough Derg. This species has not been found before in Ireland. Lough Derg is the most downstream and the largest lake on the Shannon River.
An active swarm of H. anomala was recovered from within the shade of a floating tyre, in an area with dense cover of macrophytes, where depths were ~1 m. All this was within a small boating harbour with a slipway where small overland trailered boats can be launched.
For full article.......read more
MARCH 20TH 2009
Minister of State Se�n Power today announced that the Government has approved proposals to restructure the inland fisheries sector......read more
MARCH 20TH 2009
Salmon Watch Ireland awarded costs in case against South Western Regional Fisheries Board......read more
DECEMBER 5TH 2008
SSTRAI affiliated members of the European Anglers Alliance welcomes the news that the European Parliament adopts with an overwhelming majority a resolution on a pan-European Cormorant Management Plan.....read more
