A newly published report by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) reveals a record percentage of wild salmon were placed back in the water after being hooked by fishermen/women in 2022.
And IFI’s Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report 2022 shows that five rivers in four counties accounted for more than half of all salmon caught in 2022.
Last year, anglers in Ireland released back 54 per cent of their wild salmon catch compared to 52 per cent in 2021 and 51 per cent in 2020.
The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report 2022 outlines the total number of fish caught by all methods (commercial and angling, including catch and release) was 26,715 salmon and 2,082 sea trout.
This is a reduction of 14 per cent on the total salmon catch recorded in 2021 (31,148) but an increase of 30pc of the total sea trout catch recorded that year (1,595).
The report highlights that 53 per cent of all salmon caught last year were taken on just five rivers across four counties: the River Moy in Co Mayo (18%), the River Blackwater (Lismore) in Co Cork (16.1%), the River Laune in Co Kerry (7.3%), the River Corrib in Co Galway (5.9%) and the Lower River Lee in Co Cork (5.4%).
In other notable statistics from the 2022 report, anglers from 42 different countries held salmon rod licences in Ireland in 2022.
Most of these licences were sold to residents of the Republic of Ireland (66.5%), followed by Northern Ireland (11%) and Great Britain (6.6%). Hundreds of anglers from France, Germany and the United States also bought salmon licences in 2022 during trips here.
Commercial fishers caught 15 per cent of the salmon catch in 2022, compared to 21 per cent in 2021 and recreational anglers caught 85 per cent in 2022 compared to 79 per cent in 2021.
A total of 17,318 salmon licences were bought by fishermen and women in 2022 — up some 11 per cent on the corresponding figure for 2021.
Barry Fox, head of operations at IFI said: “Catch-and-release of salmonids in Irelands rivers and lakes is becoming the norm.
“It is very encouraging to see the year-on-year increase in the catch-and-release of salmon. This method supports the angling community to sustainably fish, and conserves our salmon stocks.
“Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout continue to face numerous risks, including climate change, water pollution and illegal fishing.
“I commend all our stakeholders who participate in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme, which limits the number of fish that can be retained, and helps ensure its continued success.”
