A new heritage group is seeking to preserve traditional net fisheries under threat of disappearing from Ireland’s landscape.

The Traditional Net Fishers Steering Group was established earlier this year by “a group of like-minded individuals” who united to examine ways of developing the “cultural heritage” of these net fisheries in a sustainable manner, according to member Conor Whyte.

It’s hoped that links with artisan food tourism, educational and research opportunities, and public experience and open days are some ways in which such fisheries for eel, salmon and sea trout — many of which have closed or been suspended one the last 13 years — could be preserved for future generations.

One of the steering group’s first aims is to articulate its ideas at part of Heritage Ireland 2030, Ireland’s national heritage plan, which is receiving submissions under its open consultation until Thursday 28 February (submissions up to a few days after this date may also be accepted).

The group is encouraging all those with an interest in preserving the heritage of Ireland’s inland waterways to make their own submission (as per the details linked above) or to sign its own petition as attached below.

For more information see the Heritage Net Fisheries of Ireland page on Facebook.