#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.

At a sitting of Fermoy District Court on 16th October 2015, Judge Brian Sheridan prosecuted three men who had pleaded guilty to a number of offences following an incident that occurred on the upper River Aherlow near Anglesborough, Co. Limerick on the 20th November 2014.

On that date, Fishery Officers from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) were undertaking a night time patrol of the river Aherlow during the salmon spawning season. During the investigation, an incident developed which resulted in one Fishery Officer being assaulted and struck with a handle of a shovel. Other Fishery Officers were subjected to threats of violence and abusive language.

Mr Patrick Sheehan Junior, Galbally, Co. Limerick was prosecuted for assaulting, obstructing and refusing to give his name to Fishery Officers. Mr Patrick Sheehan Senior, Ballylanders, Co. Limerick was prosecuted for possession of a lamp on a spawning stream, obstructing and refusing to give his name to Fishery Officers. Mr Richard Childs, Galbally, Co. Limerick was prosecuted for obstructing Fishery Officers.

Judge Brian Sheridan imposed the following penalties: Patrick Sheehan Junior was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years on the defendant signing a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the said period of two years. He was also fined €500 in addition to legal costs of €630. Patrick Sheehan Senior was fined €500 in addition to legal costs of €630. Mr. Richard Childs was fined €250 in addition to legal costs of €630.

“This is not just about the fish”, stated IFI CEO Dr Ciaran Byrne, “it is about protecting over 3000 Irish jobs that rely on our endangered salmon stocks and also ensuring the safety of IFI staff who work to protect and conserve this valuable natural resource for the benefit of rural communities throughout Ireland, including the Aherlow river.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a confidential hotline number to enable members of the general public to report incidents - 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.

At a sitting of Fermoy District Court on 25th September 2015, Judge Brian Sheridan convicted excavator operator, Mr Tom Luddy of Castlequarter, Kilbehenny, Co. Limerick, under Section 173 (1)(c) & 173 (1)(d) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, relating to the removal of riverbed material from the River Funshion on the Cork / Limerick border.

Judge Sheridan imposed a three-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years with a bond of €500 paid by the defendant, additionally imposing a €100 fine and awarding Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) €2,000 towards its costs in the case.

The case related to works carried out during September 2014 which entailed the removal of riverbed material along a continuous excavation of 200 metres of river channel. The case was initially heard at a previous court sitting on 26th June at which the defendant entered a guilty plea on two charges.

IFI gave evidence of its observations of damage to the fisheries resource backed by photographic records of the site which depicted large stockpiles of river gravel in a continuous berm adjacent to the affected river. IFI also noted in its evidence, the defendant’s readiness to co-operate in the planning of remedial works. The defendant then signed a written undertaking to the court that remedial works would be carried out to the satisfaction of IFI, with the case then adjourned to allow for the works to be completed.

At the hearing on 25th September, IFI confirmed that the remedial works had been completed to its satisfaction, with full co-operation from the defendant, and also acknowledged the assertion made by the defence that the remedial works had been a substantial undertaking, stated as costing upwards of €3,000. Judge Sheridan remarked that the initial damaging works would also have been expensive and that he wished to send a message regarding such activity before imposing sentence.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, commented: “The affected area of the Funshion River is an important salmon and brown trout nursery and spawning area within the Munster Blackwater River catchment. The serious destruction of fisheries habitat which took place is an environmental crime. Such practices impact stocks of fish and, ultimately, the potential of our wonderful natural resource to contribute environmentally, economically and socially to this particular rural area and the wider Blackwater catchment downstream.”

Recent estimates of the economic contribution of brown trout angling, and salmon and sea trout angling to Ireland’s economy are €148 million and €210 million respectively, supporting 5,088 jobs primarily in rural and peripheral locations.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has a confidential hotline number to enable members of the general public to report incidents - 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.