#Angling - Two Cork brothers have been convicted of stroke hauling a salmon last August in breach of Section 170 (1) of the 1959 Fisheries Act last August.

At a sitting of Clonakilty District Court on 3 January, Judge David Waters imposed fines of €750 and costs of €500 each on Niall and Lawrence Fitzpatrick over the incident at Goose Pond on the Argideen River in Co Cork on 1 August 2016.

The charges had been vigorously contested by the brothers, but Judge Waters convicted the men and remarked upon the “unwarranted and unfounded allegations” made against Inland Fisheries Ireland’s fisheries officers who gave evidence in court.

The brothers had accused the fisheries officers of lying to the court, claiming that they had caught the salmon by fly fishing and that the fish had “swallowed the hook”.

After hearing evidence from the fisheries officers in regard to marks on the fish, Judge Waters was satisfied that the fish had in fact been stroke hauled, a mechanism by which a weighted instrument or device is used to foul-hook the fish.

Sean Long, director of the South West River Basin District, said following the verdict: “Ireland’s wild indigenous fish populations must be protected and conserved for future generations. This is an extremely valuable resource which makes a significant economic contribution to the local economy through angling tourism.

“This court case sends a clear message that illegal fishing activity will not be tolerated in Cork. Our fisheries officers are committed to protecting this resource for the public through overt and covert surveillance operations and we will continue to hold those who carry out illegal activity, which damages our resource, accountable.”

#Angling - Gorey anglers have expressed ‘outrage’ over the closure of the River Slaney for salmon fishing in 2017, as the Gorey Guardian reports.

Minister of State Seán Kyne said the move was made to help replenish and conserve stocks in the Wicklow and Wexford river, where worms for bait and barbed hooks have also been prohibited for the coming year.

But Slaney River Trust members have hit out at the ban, suggesting that the absence of even catch-and-release fishing for salmon will see angling numbers decline and encourage poaching on what’s a significant resource for the South East.

73 rivers have been approved to open for salmon angling this year, as previously reported on Afloat.ie — though that figure is nine fewer than those opened to full angling or catch-and-release in 2016.

The Gorey Guardian has more on the story HERE.

#Angling - A Mayo man has been convicted of obstructing a fisheries officer and failing to produce a salmon licence over an incident on the River Moy.

At a sitting of Castlebar District Court on 3 January, Judge Mary Devins imposed fines totalling €600 on David Egan of Claremorris.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) brought the case against Egan when he was found fishing a section of the Cloongee Fishery on the River Moy in the Pollagh area and was not in possession of a valid permit or salmon angling licence.

Solicitor Dermot Hewson, acting on behalf of IFI, outlined the facts of the case against Egan and his refusal to hand over his fishing gear. No defence was offered by Egan, who pleaded guilty to both charges.

IFI’s ownership of the fishing rights on the Pollagh section of the Cloongee Fishery, near Foxford, was disputed previously but was confirmed at a special sitting of Castlebar Circuit Court in 2012.

The fishery was purchased from the private owners by the former North Western Regional Fisheries Board on behalf of the State in 2005.

IFI chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne said: “The regulation of angling on the River Moy is imperative if we are to effectively conserve and protect this valuable resource.

“Incidents of obstruction of Fisheries Officers have become quite common and this court case sends a clear message that this will not be tolerated.

Dr Byrne added that the Cloongee Fishery “is well known as a very productive salmon fishery and Inland Fisheries Ireland has ensured that permits are available locally at a reasonable cost. The fisheries resource offers huge value from both a recreational and economic perspective to the local community.

“Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to apprehend those who carry out illegal fishing activity.”

Mr. Sean Kyne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, has approved a suite of regulations and bye-laws that will govern the wild salmon and sea trout fisheries in 2016. These will come into effect from Sunday 1 January 2017.

Minister Kyne said “In all, 73 rivers will open for angling activity in 2017 and this will provide opportunities for all to share this important natural resource on a sustainable basis. 46 of these rivers will be fully open with a further 27 for angling on a “catch & release” basis. ”

The Minister has also directed that Inland Fisheries Ireland IFI carry out a full review of the Catch and Release element of fisheries management policy ahead of the 2018 season.

He said, “Ireland has been managing fisheries in accordance with the scientific advice since 2006 and that will continue. However, I am keen that after 10 years, the catch and release element of the policy is examined to explore whether changes might actually benefit the management of our fisheries”
Minister Kyne received management advice in relation to over 140 genetically individual wild salmon stocks in Ireland IFI, in advance of setting out the legislation for 2017. This advice was also made available as part of a public consultation process. This was based on the scientific assessment of the current status of all stocks carried out by the independent Standing Scientific Committee on Salmon. This committee comprises scientists from IFI, an Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Marine Institute, the Loughs Agency, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI- Northern Ireland) other State bodies and third level institutions.

Over 90 submissions were considered as part of the public consultation process. Based on this the Minister has introduced conservation measures for the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery in 2017.

Management advise based on the Independent Standing Scientific Committee for Salmon (SSCS) assessment of rivers/estuaries/harbours is that:-

· 46 rivers should be open as a surplus of fish has been identified in these rivers;
· 27 rivers should be classified as open for “catch and release” angling; and
· 73 rivers should be closed as they have no surplus of fish available for harvest.

Over 500 children and young people from the Greater Dublin Area have taken up fishing in 2016. Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative, which aims to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin area, has seen significant demand for its services during the year.

Young people from the areas of Darndale, Jobstown, Mulhuddart, Whitechurch as well as inner city youth projects took part in this year’s programme which saw them take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and competitions, visit Naval ships and enjoy family fishing days. Environmental talks and lessons were also held with many national and secondary schools, summer project and youth services taking part in the programme during the summer months.

The Dublin Angling Initiative caters for anyone interested in angling, from the complete novice to the more advanced angler with exposure given to each of the different types of fishing. Fishing presentations and tours provide an insight into fish, their habitat, conservation measures and education regarding local fishing areas. Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative has seen thousands of young people participate in the programme since its inception over 20 years ago. The initiative has been a catalyst to the founding of many fishing clubs by these young people.

Brian Beckett, Inland Fisheries Ireland Director of the Eastern River Basin District said: “We’re delighted to see so many young people picking up a fishing rod for the first time and returning to it over the summer months. Fishing is a hobby that can be enjoyed at any age or ability, in urban and rural settings and it has a wealth of health and well-being benefits associated with it. We have seen significant demand and participation in the programme this year in Dublin and we hope to see that trend continue.”

Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Ireland has some of the best wild fisheries in Europe and offers a unique destination for domestic and visiting anglers alike. It is only fitting that we introduce our young people to this fisheries resource and show them its value from a personal recreational viewpoint and as something which brings huge economic worth to this country. As part of the Dublin Angling Initiative, we also build awareness and understanding of the importance of protection and conservation of the resource. We hope that these young people will bring this appreciation of the resource with them into later life.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative welcomes enquiries from all groups or individuals interested in its programmes and services

#Angling - The tender process for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) State Fisheries for 2017 is now open.

Lists of available fisheries can be found on the IFI website HERE.

To tender for one or more fisheries, fill out the Condition of Tender and Application Form 2016.

Tenders will be accepted up until Friday 30 December; proof of postage on or before this date will be accepted. Mark your envelope TENDER APPLICATION and send it to Paul O’Reilly, Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest, Dublin 24.

If your angling club is interested in a longer term licence, fill out the relevant section on your form and IFI will get in touch. In the meantime, however, the ‘per year’ licence fee should be tendered.

For any queries relating to State Fisheries or the 2017 tender process, contact Paul O’Reilly at [email protected] or at 01-884-2600.

In addition, all clubs who held a licence on a State Fishery during the 2016 season will need to fill out an End of Year Report Form and return it to IFI at the above address by 30 December.

End of Year reports may of course be posted together with tender applications, though no envelopes marked ‘TENDER APPLICATION’ will be opened until after the closing date for applications. Any tender cheques enclosed will also not be acknowledged until after 30 December.

#Angling - Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has awarded 50 angling development projects with funding to the value of €500,000 in total as part of its Capital Works Fund.

The projects, which focus on improving angling access and infrastructure, are set to be delivered in 2017.

In total, applications for over 100 projects were received bringing the overall value of projects looking for funding to above €2 million.

Seán Kyne, Minister of State for Natural Resources, said: “I would like to congratulate the community groups who have been awarded this funding.

“The projects receiving funding are located in 19 counties across the country. They include the provision of angling boats and trailers to allow for improved access for education/youth initiatives and tourist anglers, upgrades to access roads and car parks at angling sites, construction of new fishing stands, styles and footbridges and the provision of informational signage.”

The Capital Works Fund was announced in October 2016 with local groups and individuals including local development associations, tidy towns, angling clubs and others invited to apply for funding.

The scheme is part of IFI’s National Strategy for Angling Development, which aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced with a view to ensuring a sustainable habitat and delivering the economic, health and recreational benefits they offer to communities across Ireland.

IFI says it is aiming to grow the angling sector’s socio-economic contribution of €836 million per year by an additional €60 million annually through the strategy.

This will be achieved by driving angling participation among domestic and overseas visitors, which in turn is supported by improving access to fishing and developing angling infrastructure.

Suzanne Campion, IFI head of business development, said: “The Capital Works Fund has been overwhelmed by strong project applications and following a considered review process, we are delighted to announce the 50 projects which have secured support.

“The demand for improvements in angling access and development is evident. Rural communities across Ireland are engaged with angling and recognise the value of the fisheries resource to their local area.”

Campion added that IFI “has worked closely with angling clubs, individuals, community groups and chambers of commerce to inform them about the fund and the overall National Strategy for Angling Development.

“We hope to empower these stakeholders to improve access to angling in their areas and as a result deliver long term recreational and economic benefit to their communities.”

IFI received 90 expressions of interest across 21 counties in addition to the applications received for the Capital Works Fund, and it is expected that further funding for projects will be made in this area in the New Year.

The projects receiving funding under the Capital Works Fund 2016 are:

Cavan

• Hollybank Lake, Co. Cavan – Access Road and Car Park Improvements (€16,920) by Cavan County Council
• Lough Sheelin, Co. Cavan – Safety Measures Project (€3,618) by Cavan Cavan Council
• Bun Lough, Belturbet, Co. Cavan – Bun Lake Car Park and Access Road Improvements (€14,913) by Cavan County Council
• Putiaghan Lough, Belturbet, Co. Cavan – Lay-By Upgrade (€9,112) by Cavan County Council
• Nadreegeel Lough, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan – Site Clearance, Car Park Improvement and Signage Development (€16,500) by Cavan County Council

Clare

• Swan Island, Lough Bridget – Swan Island Lough Bridget Upgrade of Angling Facilities (€10,000) by Tulla and District Coarse Angling Association

Cork

• River Ilen, Skibbereen – River Ilen Development Project for Recreational and Tourist Angling (€2, 750) by River Ilen Anglers Club
• Bandon River – Opening Access on the Bandon River (€3,770) by Bandon Angling Association
• Glenbeg Lake, Ardgroom, Beara – Glenbeg Lake Angling Access (€12,000) by Beara Trout Anglers
• Tibbotstown Carrigtwohill – Angling access and storage at Tibbotstown Reservoir (€19,042) by Glanmire & District Salmon & Trout Anglers Association
• Kilbarry – River Blackwater Access Improvement (€25,969) by Kilbarry Salmon Trout Anglers

Donegal

• Sessiagh Lough – Sessiagh Lough Boat Replacement (€6,000) by Dunfanaghy Angling Association
• Lough Keel – Lough Keel Car Park and Access Improvement (€1,050) by Letterkenny & District Anglers Association
• Lough na Toohey, Creeslough - Creeslough Development Plan. Lough na Toohey Angling Access Work (€3,500) by Creeslough & District Angling Association
• Crana River and Fullerton Pollen Dam Fisheries, Buncrana - Buncrana Anglers Fisheries Development Plan (€25,850) by Buncrana Anglers Association

Galway

• Clare River – Clare River Angling Access Developments (€14,720) by Cairde na Chlair
• Greenfield, Headford – Greenfield, Headford Access (€7,533) by Headford and Corrib Angling Club
• Clare River, Cregmore – Cregmore Galway River Clare Angling Access Improvements (€9,599) by Cregmore Athenry Anglers
• Owenriff River, Oughterard – Owenriff River Resurfacing of Road and Carpark Facility (€14,980) by Oughterard Anglers and Boatmen’s Association
• Owenglin River, Clifden Glen – Owenglin River Walkway Upgrade (€700) by Clifden Trout Anglers Association
• Corr Na Mona Pier Lough Corrib – Lough Corrib Disabled Hoist (€4,500) by Corr na Mona and District Anglers

Kerry

• River Feale, Listowel – Listowel Town Access Enhancement (€40,000) by Kerry County Council
• River Feale, Scartleigh – River Feale Angling Access (€2,500) by Killocrim Finuge Fishing Club
• Cloonaughlin Lake, Waterville - Cloonaughlin Lake Waterville Access Road Repair (€4,900), by Waterville Lakes and Rivers Trust
• River Lee, Tralee – River Lee Selective Pruning (€10,750) by Karen Griffin, Inland Fisheries Ireland
  
  Kildare
• Blackhall, Clane – River Liffey Angling Styles (€1,873) by Dublin Trout Anglers

Kilkenny

• River Nore, Threecastles, Freshford Road – River Nore Angling Access (€2,080) by Kilkenny City & County Anglers, the Rock Bar

Laois

• Mountmelick – Improving access at Owenass River (€11,988) by Mountmellick Angling and Conservation Club

Leitrim

• Lareen and Rosfriar Town, Kinlough – Drowns Fisheries Angling Walkways (€10,000) by Drownes Salmon Fishery
• Lough Allen – Herns Shore Lough Allen Improved Access Road (€4,600) by Carrick on Shannon Angling Festival
• Bonet River, Community Park – Upgrading fencing and improving access to local angling community at Bonet River (€8,000) by Dromahair Anglers Association
• Lough Rowan, Lauragh, Fenagh – Lough Allen angling access road upgrade and stiles (€6,000) by Rinn Shannon and District Angling Club
• Lough Allen – Lough Allen Angling Access Road Upgrade and Stiles (€3,600) by Sheemore Angling Club

Mayo

• Curragh Car Park, near Foxford – River Moy Curragh Car Park Upgrade (€15,516) by Knockmore Salmon Anglers
• River Moy, Bohola/Straide – River Moy Angling Access (€4,269) by East Mayo Anglers Association
• River Moy, Foxford – Accessible Angling on River Moy (€10,000) by East Mayo Anglers Association

Meath

• Mentrim Lake, Aclare – Mentrim Lake Improved Angling Access (€10,500) by Mentrim & District Anglers Community Organisation

Monaghan

• Lough More Greagh Emyvale – Lough More Enabling Easier Angling Access (€450)by Lough More and Blackwater Anglers Association
• Bairds Shore and Kilroosky, Clones – Bairds Shore Access Road and Kilroosky Parking Area (€20,364) by Monaghan County Council

Offaly

• River Brosna – Little Brosna Angling Access Works (€980), by Roscrea and District Anglers Club

Roscommon

• Castlecoote Village – Stoneham’s (Linn Ban) Lake Angling Access Infrastructure Development (€28,148) by Suck Valley Development Co-Operative Society Ltd
• Emlaghroyan – Corcoran’s Access Path to Angling Pegs (€7,945) by Suck Valley Development Co-Operative Society Ltd

Sligo

• River Easkey, Dromore – River Easkey Development Project (€10,000) by River Easkey Angling Association
• Stephen Street Car Park – Angling Access to Garavogue River, Sligo (€35,450) by Sligo County Council / Sligo BID Co/ Garavogue Salmon Festival Group
• Glencor Lake – Sligo Anglers Fisheries Angling Boat and Transportation Trailer (€5,400) by Sligo Anglers Association Fisheries

Tipperary

• River Suir, North Bank between Clonmel and Carrick on Suir – River Suir Angling Access Improvements (€10,000) by Tipperary County Council
• River Suir, Killsheelan – River Suir Kilsheelin – Angling Access Project (€5,360) by Clonmel & District And Trout Association

Waterford

• Carrigvantry and Knockaderry Reservoirs – Angling Access (€4,000) by Waterford City and County Trout Anglers Association
• Belle Lake – Belle Lake Disinfectant Station and Boat Project (€1,100) by Belle Lake Pike Angling Club

Wexford

• Ballygeary, Rosslare Harbour – Rosslare Harbour Lagoon Development (€4,698) by Community Development Group

#Angling - Following the announcement of an €800,000 stimulus package for economic development on Ireland’s waterways, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has released details of Leitrim’s share to develop angling in Ballinamore.

An award of €100,000 from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone) Initiative will go to improving access to angling in Ballinamore with a view to developing tourism in the Lakelands region, as proposed by Leitrim County Council with support from IFI.

The project involves the development of angling infrastructure at Garadice and Kiltybarden Lakes, venues noted for match angling and currently annual hosts of the World Pairs Angling Championships. The €100,000 grant will upgrade the facilities at these locations to draw other national and international competitions to the area.

The angling facility will also be accessible to wheelchair users and will have a special area dedicated to youth angling.

In total the project will cost around €125,000, with the rest of the funding provided by IFI (€21,200) and Leitrim County Council (€3,800).

Frank Curran, chief executive of Leitrim County Council, said: “We are delighted with the approval of the funding for the Rural Economic Development Zone for Ballinamore and Carrigallen area which is focusing on the angling sector.

“Angling is an extremely important economic driver for this area made possible by the excellent fishing lakes in the locality along with a well-known, international reputation. Ballinamore/Carrigallen has been host to numerous angling competitions such as the World Pairs and the Dutch King of Clubs.

“Leitrim County Council looks forward to working with the local trade and Inland Fisheries Ireland in the delivery of this project in the coming months.”

IFI head of business development Suzanne Campion added: “Our fisheries resource is precious from a recreational and economic viewpoint. We are committed to ensuring that Ireland uses the resource to its best potential in a conservation focused manner and we are delighted to secure this funding for Leitrim.

“Anglers already enjoy the great fishing and beautiful scenery available at Ballinamore and this facility will make access to angling easier and allow the area to cater for several large and international angling competitions.

“Investment in angling development is crucial if we are to help attract visitors to rural areas. We know that angling visitors spend considerable time in an area when they identify with it as an angling destination. Anglers use several services and business in an area when visiting such as accommodation, restaurants, shops as well as boat hire and equipment rental.

“We look forward to working with our partners, Leitrim County Council and the community, in enhancing Ballinamore as a top angling destination.”

The Ballinamore project will form part of IFI’s National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD), a comprehensive national framework for the development of Ireland’s angling resource.

The strategy aims to deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming five years, to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for both their economic value and recreational benefit to the communities and visitors they serve across Ireland.

#Angling - It was double gold for Ireland’s men and women at the World Shore Angling Championships in Wexford this week, as the Irish Examiner reports.

And it’s a result that’s put the sport of shore angling firmly “back on the map” in Ireland, according to the Irish Federation of Sea Angling’s Brian Reidy.

Top prize for the men’s team saw them leap up two spots from their bronze-medal finish at last year’s event in Portugal’s Algarve, their best placed finish since winning in 2010 (they also came third in 2012).

But it was an even more impressive outing by the Irish women’s team, who were competing for the first time ever at top level and held on to their early lead for the full week’s fishing.

The Belfast Telegraph profiled the team ahead of the competition, noting that it was a family affair: mother and daughter Janet Snoddy and Lisa Gormley cast their lines as part of the six-women squad, while Lisa’s father — and Janet’s husband — Jim Gormley served as team manager.

#Angling - Sean Kyne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, has given statutory notice of his intention to make the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2016 to provide for the management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery by Inland Fisheries Ireland from 1 January 2017.

A copy of the draft regulations is available from the department website and and is also open for public inspection at the offices of the department in Cavan and at the offices of Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Any person may submit observations or objections to the draft regulations at any time during the period of 30 days concluding on 11 December 2016 either by e-mail to [email protected] or to the following address:

Inland Fisheries Division,
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment,
Elm House,
Earlsvale Road,
Cavan Town
H12 A8H7
Ireland
Tel: 01 6783071 / Lo-call 1890 449 900 Extension 3071

All submissions received will be published on the department's website following the conclusion of the consultation period.