#Angling - The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is undertaking research on the socio-economics of inland fisheries within Ireland, with the objective of providing evidence that will support policy decisions regarding the management of fisheries resources and angling within Ireland.

As part of that work they are currently establishing an angler survey panel. Members of the angler panel will be invited to participate in occasional short surveys to elicit their views on various topics.

The ESRI's research programme on the socio-economics of inland fisheries is financially supported by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The data and information collected will only be used for research purposes by the ESRI, will not be shared with IFI or other organisations and will only be accessible to the researchers undertaking the analysis strictly in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 & 2003.

Only research reports and papers, which contain aggregated summary analysis, will be provided to policy decision makers, including IFI. The ESRI will make its research papers publicly available for free from its website.

To become a member of the panel, sign up via the ESRI website HERE – it should take less than a minute.

For further information about the angler panel or the research programme, contact programme lead John Curtis at [email protected]

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has launched a report on a scientific survey of adult fish stocks in Lough Ree. The report details the findings of a fish stock assessment of the lake undertaken in 2014 to establish the status quo of all fish stocks, with particular reference to the brown trout population.

The assessment was the first time such a large scale extensive survey was undertaken on the lake. As part of the survey, brown trout genetic samples were collected and will feed into the greater Mid Shannon Brown Trout Genetics Study, currently underway in a partnership project between IFI and Queen’s University Belfast. The survey also provided valuable ecological information in relation to the status of invasive species such as zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea).

The survey, which was carried out over a two-week period in spring 2014, recorded eight fish species and a number of coarse fish hybrids. Roach were the dominant species with good numbers of roach/bream hybrids also noted. Other fish species present were perch, bream, pike, brown trout, rudd, pollan and tench. Pollan are a listed protected fish species on Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive and Lough Ree is only one of five lakes throughout the country that they are found in.

Dr Cathal Gallagher, Head of Research and Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “During the Lough Ree survey, eight fish species and a number of coarse fish hybrids were recorded. Almost 52 per cent of all fish noted during the survey were roach, 21 per cent roach/bream hybrids and 16 per cent were perch with significantly smaller numbers of bream, pike, trout, rudd and pollan making up the balance. The information provided from this survey will prove very useful in the context of conserving, managing and protecting such an important mixed stock fishery.”

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, commented: “Currently Lough Ree can be regarded as one of Ireland’s premier mixed fisheries. Mixed, in this instance, is a reference to three different fish stocks – cyprinid, pike and trout stocks. The status of all of these fish populations is such that, presently, each of them can provide quality angling on a seasonal basis.”

The Lough Ree survey report is available here

#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced the establishment of the second National Inland Fisheries Forum (NIFF).

Angling federations, groups and individuals are requested to nominate candidates for membership on the forum, established under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 to provide a mechanism to recognise the important contribution of a wide range of stakeholders to the policies of IFI and their inputs into the sector generally.

During its first term, a specific objective of the NIFF was also to ensure that this contribution was not lost when the Regional Fisheries Boards were abolished as part of the process of establishing IFI.

The initial cycle of the NIFF was launched in October 2011 and concluded its three-year term in 2014. Following a comprehensive review of its first cycle, its structure and function has been modified to enable more effective operations.

In accordance with the provision in the 2010 Act, the minister has had an input into this review process and has signed off on the revised structure.

To recognise the special role of angling stakeholders, each of the main angling organisations has been requested to nominate two of their members to represent their interests for the duration of the second cycle of the NIFF. It is anticipated that these nominees will then be appointed to the forum by the minister.

The process of selecting the remaining members of the new forum will be managed by the Public Appointment Service (PAS) with the support of IFI. The forum shall consist of not more than 60 members.

Commenting on the revised process for the appointment of members to the Forum, IFI chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne said: “The restructured forum provides an important opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to the development of policies in respect of the Irish inland fisheries resource.

"The combined forum membership is expected to comprise people with knowledge in the areas of recreational fisheries, environmental organisations, business, fishery owners, tourism and marketing, agriculture, aquaculture, commercial fisheries [and] heritage.

"I am confident that membership will span all appropriate sectors and regions and will lead to improved input to inland fisheries policy and future development.”

The PAS has compiled an information booklet providing additional information on the recruitment process and the next cycle of the NIFF.

#Pollution - A Kerry-based pig farming company has been convicted in relation to a river pollution incident last summer arising from its premises in Castleisland.

Pollution of a River Maine tributary stream had been noted by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) staff on 10 June 2015. Extensive sewage fungus growth and water discolouration were observed over 2km of channel length, downstream of a contaminated surface drain discharging from the defendant’s farm premises.

Michael McAuliffe Ltd pleaded guilty to two charges, a breach of Section 3(2) of the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act 1977 and Section 171(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959.

At a sitting of Tralee District Court on 24 February, Judge James O’Connor found the defendant company guilty of both charges, imposing a fine of €500 on the first charge and marking the conviction on the second charge as “taken into consideration”.

Costs and expenses were awarded to IFI to the sum of €2,603 with the defendant company given seven months to pay.

Commenting on the case, IFI chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne said: “Protection of fish stocks is vital to maintaining an extremely valuable natural resource for the benefit of local and tourist anglers alike.

"Recreational angling in Ireland is worth over €836 million to the economy and supports over 11,000 jobs. Salmon and sea trout, in particular, depend on good water quality to survive, and IFI is committed to protecting water quality in our rivers and lakes.”

IFI has a confidential hotline number to enable members of the general public to report incidents at 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24. This phone line is designed to encourage the reporting of incidents of illegal fishing, water pollution and invasive species. For more information visit www.fisheriesireland.ie

#Jobs - The Research and Development Division of Inland Fisheries Ireland has secured external funding to undertake a series of research projects.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is currently seeking to recruit a number of staff as Research Technician(s) and Fisheries Assistant(s) for periods of up to a maximum of 10 months duration during 2016 and will shortly commence a process to fill these positions.

Interviews will take place in late February/early March to fill a number of positions and a panel(s) for subsequent positions will be compiled following interview.

All positions will be based at the current IFI Head Office, 3044 lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24.

Research Technicians will provide technical support to the Senior Research Officer (SRO) and project team in the compilation and analysis of data of relevant biotic and abiotic information for fish species in Irish lakes, rivers or estuaries, using standard fish sampling methodologies. Principal duties and responsibilities include:

• Data collection: Carry out and lead field surveys when necessary; collect data on the abundance, composition and age structure of fish populations from designated waterbodies; collect data on the distribution, biology and ecology of fish species in designated waterbodies.
• Data analysis: Collate and input data into project databases and present data in report format as required; data mining; conduct statistical analyses (descriptive and analytical) of data sets including using relevant statistical software; manage fisheries datasets for the project; assure quality of data including editing and verification of consistency; create tables, charts and graphics with narrative text; interpret data; analyse and prepare reports.
• Reporting: Maintain raw data and all other records in a clear concise format and compile and maintain all records in a manner compatible with GIS.
• Other duties: liaise with the project team and stakeholders and attend/contribute to information meetings as required; liaise with other IFI staff working on related projects as required.

The successful applicant(s) will have a relevant diploma or degree or equivalent. A full driving licence valid in the State is also required. Salary scale is at first point of technician scale (as of 1 January 2016), €32,231 - €51,717 (including 1 LSI).

Fisheries Assistant(s) will assist the Senior Research officer and team in the compilation and analysis of relevant biotic and abiotic information for fish species in Irish lakes, rivers or estuaries, using standard fish sampling methodologies.

Among the principal duties and responsibilities, successful applicants will be expected to assist on field surveys (if necessary); undertake processing of sample material and provide assistance to the SRO with sample analysis; assist in the processing of fish samples and collate scale, otolith and opercular bone samples to provide information on age profile and growth rates of fish species; collate and input data into IFI databases; maintain raw data and all other records in a clear concise format; compile and maintain all records in a manner compatible with GIS; liaise with other IFI staff working on related projects as required.

The successful applicant(s) will have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent with minimum Grade C on at least two Higher Level papers, to include one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography or Maths. A full driving licence valid in the State is also required. Salary scale is at first point of fisheries officer/fisheries assistant scale (as of 1 January 2015), €22,907 - €36,235 (including 2 LSIs).

Applications for both positions – to consist of a cover letter and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae – should be sent to
[email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 24 February 2016. Please quote either ‘Fish’ for Fisheries Assistant roles or ‘Tech’ for the Technician roles depending on which you wish to apply for.

Short listing will be based on information provided in the cover letter and CV. Late applications will not be processed. Canvassing will disqualify. Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is now inviting applications for suitable qualifying Salmon Conservation Projects under the Salmon Conservation Fund.

Qualifying projects include fish passage improvement, spawning enhancement, in-stream structures, river bank protection, fencing, riparian zone improvement, removal and control of exotic invasives, feasibility studies (which lead to future projects under the above headings to a maximum of 50% funding or €2,000, whichever is less) and screening for appropriate assessments.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Thursday 31 March 2016.

Further details can be obtained on the IFI website HERE.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has today launched a stakeholder survey programme to help the organisation to understand the opinions and attitudes of its stakeholders and to provide an effective service that will meet their needs and expectations into the future.

The programme is a key component of the National Strategy for Angling Development and forms part of a continuing examination of the recreational angling sector in Ireland. A series of surveys is planned to take place throughout 2016. Some of the key areas that will be examined during this programme include: IFI field operations; Irish angling participation; Irish angling expenditure patterns; Irish fisheries research; and the intrinsic benefits of angling in Ireland. The first survey, launched today, looks at IFI’s communication with stakeholders.

Stakeholders include state agencies, government departments, NGOs, anglers, tourism providers, consultants, researchers and all individuals or organisations interested in the inland fisheries sector.

Announcing the survey programme, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “The programme of surveys is an important step to effect IFI’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, as outlined in its recently published National Strategy for Angling Development and its ongoing collaborative and partnership approach to inland fisheries conservation, protection and management.

“The first survey, on stakeholder communication, was developed to provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their feedback. This feedback will be used to gain a better understanding of how IFI is viewed by its stakeholders and to shape and inform IFI’s communication strategy into the future. Resources within IFI remain limited but we are looking at ways to make our communication more efficient, which will improve our working relationships with stakeholders; increase our mutual knowledge; and create an environment where we can work together more purposefully and effectively.”

IFI will notify stakeholders of the surveys via its websites, social media, press releases, email and through staff members. Responses from individuals or organisations who consider themselves to be stakeholders are welcome. Participation is on a voluntary basis and the first survey is available online here

Two men were convicted of poaching offences at Tuam District Court on Tuesday, 12th of January 2016, following a surveillance operation by officers of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

The two men, both from Boyounagh, Glenamaddy, were before the court on charges relating to an incident that occurred on 5th January 2015. Judge Geoffrey Browne heard evidence from the prosecuting solicitor, Mr Diorai Ford, that on the date in question Fishery Officers had observed the two men using a light to locate spawning salmon with a view to spearing them in a spawning stream of the Clare River. A search of the vehicle they were driving resulted in the seizure of additional high powered lamps and a fork specially modified with barbs to spear salmon.

Judge Browne convicted Ben Conneally of the illegal use of a spear, and fined him €200 with €350 costs. He also convicted Michael Collins of the illegal use of a light on the riverbank, and also fined him €200 with €350 costs. The Judge inquired had the two men caught any salmon on the night in question, and when informed they had not, he remarked that it would have been cheaper for them to go to a fish shop. He also ordered the forfeiture of the equipment seized on the night.

Commenting on the case, Dr John Conneely, Director of the Western River Basin District for IFI, said: “This case demonstrates that illegal fishing is not just a summer problem, and IFI’s protection personnel are on year-round patrol to deter such illegal activity. Salmon angling is extremely valuable to the tourism industry and provides revenue, employment to local communities, as well as recreation to thousands of local anglers around Ireland. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to work to protect this resource for the good of the community.”

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of IFI, commended the work of staff who brave the elements to protect the salmon and all inland fisheries resources. He stated: “In this era of reducing staff numbers and resources, IFI continues to protect, conserve, develop and promote fisheries. However, IFI’s ability to maintain its service is being eroded and I urge anglers and the public to report any incidences of poaching or pollution to the IFI 24 hour confidential hotline 1850 347424. A collaborative approach will ensure that local areas benefit from angling, both domestic and tourism, and jobs and communities in local areas are supported.”

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Joe McHugh T.D., announced today that the Government had noted the decision to appoint Mr. Patrick Gibbons to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland for a period of five years. This appointment was made having regard to advice received from the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC) on Transport and Communications in accordance with Sections 12(1)(b) and 12(3) of the Inland Fisheries Act, 2010.

In welcoming the appointment of Mr. Gibbons, Minister of State McHugh said “Mr. Gibbons brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland, particularly in the areas of legal, regulatory, corporate governance and commercial affairs. I wish Mr. Gibbons well in his role as a board member”.

The Government also noted the appointment of a worker representative, Mr. Sean Coady, to the Board for a five year term with effect from 17th November, 2015. The staff of IFI voted to elect Mr. Coady in line with section 13 of the 2010 Act.

The exemptions set out at Section 9.1.1 of the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards apply to both of these appointments and as a result no stateboards.ie process was required in either case.

There are currently two vacant positions on the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland. Both of these vacancies are currently in the process of being filled through the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

#Jobs - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is recruiting for the position of River Basin District Director.

This post will be based in Macroom, Co Cork and the successful candidate will be responsible for the management of IFI’s operations in the South Western River Basin District.

In addition, the person appointed will be an integral member of a dynamic operational team charged with the national delivery of IFI’s operational remit. He or she will report to the head of operations.

The successful candidate will be required to reside in the district in which these duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

The successful candidate will:

• Have a proven track record managing a large diverse employee base at multi-site locations.
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate at all levels within the organisation and also with external stakeholder parties.
• Have a proven track record in financial planning, budget preparation and asset management, together with business planning, problem-solving, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Have experience operating at middle to senior management level in either the public or private sectors.

There will be a requirement for occasional travel nationwide. An in-depth knowledge of inland fisheries is not an absolute requirement.

Salary scale: minimum €67,434 to maximum €83,510 including two LSIs. (Appointment will normally be made at the first point on this scale.)

Please note that applicants will be shortlisted for interview on the basis of information supplied in their cover letter and CV.

Applications should be emailed to [email protected] or forwarded to: HR Department, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 18 December 2015. Canvassing will disqualify. Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.