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PRESS
STATEMENTS 2002
STATISTICAL
AND FISHING ACTIVITY REPORT
ON THE WILD SALMON AND SEA TROUT TAGGING SCHEME
17TH DECEMBER 2002
The Central Fisheries Board today
released the statistical report of the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout*
Tagging Scheme providing information on commercial and recreational
salmon and sea trout catches and fishing activity.
This scheme was first introduced in 2001 and the
report contains data relating to the commercial and angling season
of 2001 and the commercial season of 2002. A report on the 2002
angling season will be published when the angling catch and activity
returns have been received and collated by the Central Fisheries
Board.
Referring to the report the Chief Executive
Officer of the Board, Mr. John O’Connor, drew attention to the
following:
-
The
total number of salmon captured by all methods including rod and
line in 2001 was 259,488, 233,401 by the commercial sector and
26,087 by rod and line. The number of salmon captured in 2002,
excluding rod and line was 206,899.
-
The
commercial catch in 2002 was 10,667 below the aggregated TAC of
219,649, provided in the Wild Salmon & Sea Trout Tagging Scheme
regulations.
-
There was a reduction in the commercial salmon catch in 2002
from 2001 of approximately 26,500 or 11%.
*sea
trout greater than 40 cm in length
-
Almost
30% of all the salmon caught nationally are captured in the North
Western Region.
-
The largest landings of salmon from the commercial fishery in
2002 were in the Kerry (14.6%), Ballina (14.1%), Cork (13.6%),
Letterkenny (9.8%) and Shannon (9.0%) districts.
-
The Moy river in County Mayo provided the largest number of
salmon to the rod nationally in 2001 with an estimated catch of
7,285 fish.
-
Other rivers producing large numbers of fish include the
Ballysadare river in the Sligo district (1,585), the Blackwater in
the Lismore district (2,281), the Corrib river system, County Galway
(1,142), and the river Lee, County Cork (1,045). East coast rivers
account for less than 4% of the national rod catch.
-
In 2001 76% of the exploited salmon were captured by drift
net, 12% by draft nets, 2% by other engines and 10% by rod and line.
-
Of the commercial catch in 2001, 85% of salmon were captured
by drift net,13% by draft nets and the remaining 2% by other
engines.
-
There was a nominal increase in the proportion of the salmon
catch attributable to the drift net sector in 2002 increasing from
85% to 87% with draft nets decreasing by the same amount.
-
32,814 rod and line licences were sold in 2001. 14,258
logbooks or 44% were returned to the Central and Regional and
Fisheries Boards. Logbook returns on a Regional Fisheries Board
basis ranged from 18% in the South Western Region to 59% in the
Eastern Region.
-
An analysis of the returns of different rod and line licence
types suggests that the one day licence is the most difficult to
recover with a return rate of 32% compared to a 54% return rate for
the annual national rod and line licence.
-
In the commercial salmon drift net fishery approximately 25%
of the fishermen caught just over 70% of the fish.
-
A little over half or 53% of the commercial drift net
fishermen caught 100 salmon or less in the 2002 season.
-
In the 2002 season 75% of fishermen caught 100 salmon or less
in the inshore draft net fishery.
-
Of the 14,258 logbooks returned by anglers to the Central and
Regional Fisheries Boards in 2001, 10,446 (or 73%) returned a zero
catch of salmon.
-
Of the remainder, 20% caught 5 fish or less, 3.5% caught
between 5 and 10 fish and approximately 2.5% caught greater than 10
fish. Seven anglers caught between 50 and 100 salmon.
-
In the 2002 season the drift net fishermen disposed of their
catch (70%) primarily through the licensed salmon dealers system
selling their fish through co-operatives and fishmongers. Private
sales accounted for a further 15%. Domestic consumption,
guesthouses, restaurants accounted for the remainder.
-
Draft net fishermen were more inclined to dispose of their
fish through private sales. This method accounts for some 40% plus
of sales. Licensed salmon dealers and domestic consumption
accounted for approximately 28% and 17% of the remaining fish
respectively.
-
The 2001 commercial catch of sea trout greater than 40cm in
length was 4,225. The drift net fishery returning 42% of the catch,
the draft net fishery 52% and the remainder of fish being captured
by the snap net fishery in the Waterford district.
-
The commercial sea trout catch in 2002 was 2,083 fish, half
the recorded catch of 2001. The distribution of the catch among the
commercial engines was almost identical to 2001.
-
The highest recorded commercial catches of sea trout in both
2001 and 2002 were in the Waterford district of 18.6% and 18.1%
respectively.
-
The proportion of sea trout in the national commercial catch
of salmon and sea trout was approximately 2% in 2001 and 1% in 2002.
-
The total national catch of sea trout greater than 40cm by
rod and line was 1,066.
-
Rivers in the Kerry district produced the highest number of
sea trout to rod and line in 2001 with an estimated catch of 399
fish or 37% of the national total.
-
The highest catch of sea trout from a single river to rod and
line in the 2001 season was from the Cummeragh River system in
County Kerry. The system, which includes Lough Currane, is
estimated to have provided a sea trout catch of 289 fish over 40cm.
The
Chief Executive congratulated all those involved in ensuring this
scheme was a success particularly his colleagues in the Regional
Fisheries Boards. He said “Ireland has one of the largest and
healthiest stocks of wild Atlantic salmon in the world and it is
important that this great national asset is afforded the status and
protection it deserves”.
The aims of the scheme are to provide a means of
collecting accurate nominal catch statistics and estimates of salmon
stock exploitation to develop the best possible management
strategies to ensure these species are exploited in a manner
consistent with their long-term sustainability on an individual
stock basis. The scheme is also intended to identify illegally
caught salmon, eliminate sales outlets for such fish and to
introduce traceability into the distribution chain.
Mr. O’Connor said that he had already provided a
copy of this report to his colleagues in the Regional Fisheries
Boards and in the National Salmon Commission. He would now be
working with his colleagues in analysing this data with a view to
advising the Minister, Mr. John Browne, T.D., Junior Minister for
Communications, Marine & Natural Resources on the best management
options for these species in the future. He also said that this
data set, while extremely important and exciting, was only one piece
of the suite of management data and information sets being prepared
for presentation to the Minister shortly. Other elements include:
-
Advice of the National Scientific Committee of the National
Salmon Commission.
-
Review of the implementation of the Wild Salmon &
Sea Trout Scheme this year.
-
Independent report on the economic/socio economic evaluation
of wild salmon in Ireland.
-
The outcome of a study to quantify the salmon freshwater
habitat in Ireland as a basis for determining conservation limits.
-
Feasibility Study and scoping exercise on the use of
technology to provide an improved customer service to commercial and
rod anglers, particularly relating to licensing, tagging and quotas.
-
Provision of an on-line sale facility for salmon and sea
trout licenses.
-
Options/models for a buy out/set aside scheme (currently
being advanced by the CFB in consultation with RFBs and which will
be put before the Fisheries Boards and the National Salmon
Commission before submission to the Minister. The views of the
various national bodies representing the wild salmon sector will
also be sought).
Mr. O’Connor paid a special tribute to the
commercial salmon sector for their co-operation in submitting
details of their catch and fishing activity to the Regional Boards.
While acknowledging the time and effort made by those anglers who
submitted timely returns, he expressed concern and disappointment
that many anglers did not make the necessary returns which they
are statutorily obliged to make. He again urged those who have not
made their returns this year to please return them as soon as
possible. He said it is in everyone’s interest that the fisheries
scientists, fisheries managers and the Minister have the best
possible
information available to them when deciding on
future policy and strategies for wild salmon and sea trout.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Ms. Aoife McLoughlin (01) 8842686
or
Dr. Philip McGinnity (01) 8842681
Web: www.cfb.ie
Minister Tom Parlon TD, launches Public Information Board on
Croneen Trout
Dated: Saturday December 7th, 2002
Photo: Left to Right Dr Fran Igoe ShRFB, Mr Eamon Cusack
CEO ShRFB, Mr Tom Parlon TD Minister of State
at the Department of Finance with special responsibility of the
Office of Public Works, Mr John Smyth Chairman Little
Brosna and Camcor Fishing Club, Ms Olwyn Enright TD and Mr Chris
Brummell Little Brosna and Camcor Fishing Club Officer
Today Mr Tom Parlon TD,
Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special
responsibility of the Office of Public Works, launched a public
information board on Croneen trout. The event took place
in Birr on Saturday at Camcor Park and was well supported by the
local community, anglers and representatives.
Dr Fran Igoe of the Shannon
Fisheries Board gave a talk at the event on Croneen Trout and
outlined its special importance to Birr, Co. Offaly. Dr Igoe
went on to say that “The identity of an area is often
characterised by its native wild life. Just like the red
deer is a symbol of Killarney, the Croneen trout is a symbol of
Birr, Co. Offaly”.
Dr Igoe further went onto
highlight the local importance of Croneen to Birr saying that
“this fish is endemic to the Birr area and as well as being an
important local angling species, it is of both high scientific
and heritage value.
Over the past two years the
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board in conjunction with the Marine
Institute and Queens University have being carrying out
biological investigations on the Croneen. Mr Eamon Cusack,
CEO Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated that the “Board
will continue to work to conserve the genetic diversity of fish
species in the region. This information board is funded
through Catchment Management funds and aims to increase public
awareness and ownership of this unique species”.
The Minister, in welcoming
this initiative by the Birr anglers, stressed the importance of
maintaining the biodiversity of the region. This can be
achieved through increased public awareness and appreciation of
our local heritage. “It is hoped that today’s project will
lead to a greater public participation in conserving our
environment and encourage the people of Birr to take pride in
their locality” stated the Minister.
Recent genetic studies have
shown that the Croneen are one of the most unique races of trout
in Ireland. “The people of Birr have known this for many
years and the Little Brosna and Camcor Fishing Club are very
active in the promotion of sustainable exploitation and their
conservation” says Mr. John Smith, club chairman.
End
For further information
Contact: Lorraine
O’Donnell, Assistant Inspector, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
Tel: 061-300238
Successful Recovery of Thousands of doomed Coarse fish
Date: August 28th, 2002
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board have over
the past 48 hours saved thousands of Coarse fish from Lough
Ballyturley, a 20 acre Lake near Furty in Co Roscommon.
The lake which is surrounded by farmland is
turlough in nature has been known to drop to low levels
previously. The last time when serious low levels were recorded
was almost 20 years ago. On this occasion however nothing
remains of the expanse of lake only a number of small muddy
ponds where the thousands of fish were holding out, waiting to
be rescued.
Just over 3,500 Coarse fish were plucked from
the muddy ponds of the lake bottom by Officers from the Shannon
Regional Fisheries Board and re-stocked in the nearby River
Suck. It is estimated that 400 fish were dead in stagnant
mudbanks around what was once the lake bottom.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board will over
the next number of weeks keep the area under review.
For further comment please
contact Mr Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer or Niall
Collins Assistant CEO at Tel: 061 300238
END
Angling Returns to Lickeen Lake
Date Monday May 14th, 2002
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board today Monday
13th, announces the re-opening of Lickeen Lake, Co Clare. Lickeen Lake
Trout Fishery situated near Kilfenora in North Clare which has been
the subject of Fishery Ownership difficulties over the past few years,
is once again fishing.
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board in association
with the stakeholders have developed a management protocol for the
lake. The protocol recognises the commitment of the local landowners
to the conservation and management of the lake and enables the Board
to manage the lake on a day to day basis.
Mr Eamon Cusack CEO stated that "the re-opening of
Lickeen marks a new beginning for the lake and the Board is committed
in restoring Lickeen, in association with the other stakeholders and
developing it in a sustainable manner for the benefit of recreational
angling and the local community"
All anglers are welcome to visit and permits are
available at a number of outlets. The permits also allows for angling
on other Shannon Board Waters throughout the region.
Further Information contact
Eamon Cusack CEO
Tel: 061 300238
END
Angling Tagging Report Released with Call for
Return of Logbooks
14 March, 2002
Contact: Assistant CEO: Mr Niall Collins
The Shannon Regional
Fisheries Board has today released the preliminary Angling
Tagging report for the 2001 season. This report, which
disappointingly is only based on a 47% return of logbooks, is
very informative and detailed.
The main highlights of the
report are that the Shannon Board sold a total of 2,154 salmon
rod licences, of these only 47% have so far returned logbooks, a
total number of 1,526 Salmon/Sea Trout were recorded in logbooks
returned. Tourism anglers are not frequenting the Shannon region
in great numbers as the report shows that only 122 foreign
anglers purchased licences in the Shannon region.
Niall Collins, Assistant CEO
stated – “This preliminary report is based on the logbooks
returned to date, we are now calling on anglers who have not yet
returned their logbook to please do so. The compilation of this
report shows the merits of the logbook system in providing the
facts and figures which we never had before.”
“Should anybody wish to
obtain a copy of this report they can do so by calling or
writing to the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Ashbourne
Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick, Tel; 061 300238 or email
your request to
ncollins@shrfb.com” – concluded Mr. Collins.
END
Mr Michael Callaghan re-elected
as Chairperson of Shannon Regional Fisheries Board for 2002
Date: January 9th, 2002
Contact: Eamon Cusack - Chief Executive
Officer
Tel: 061 455171 or 087 2425017
Mr Michael Callaghan has today been re-elected as
Chairperson of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. Mr Callaghan from
Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan was first elected as Chairperson in June 2000.
Mr Callaghan is an elected member of the Board
representing the 'Trout' category and has served on the Board as a member for
the past ten years. Mr Callaghan is very active in angling in the Lough
Sheelin area and is chairperson of NARA (National Angling Representative
Association)
END
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board gives Cautious
Welcome to EPA Report
Date: 25th January, 2002
For Comment contact Mr Eamon Cusack - 087
2425017
The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board today gave
cautious welcome to the recent findings in EPA report released on Thursday
24th January 2002, where on an overall basis the EPA state that a 3%
improvement registered in unpolluted waters in Ireland.
Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer stated.
"We would stress that this news should be viewed against the backdrop of
declining water quality in Ireland over the last thirty years, and that the
real test as to whether or not we have turned the corner on declining water
quality is to now show a consistent improvement going into the future"
The Board is consistent in its views that all
sections of our communities must sustain their efforts required to bring water
pollution under control, this is borne out in the EPA report which states that
"30% of Irish river channel is still polluted and that phosphorous
enrichment is the main cause of this pollution"
The Board has noted its very own and one of
Ireland's prized Brown Trout Fisheries, namely Lough Sheelin in Co Cavan comes
for special mention in the EPA report, as a lake suffering from
"long-term chronic pollution, which is affected primarily by agricultural
pollution". The Board has for many years been advocating its concerns
in relation to Lough Sheelin against the backdrop of farming practices in the
Sheelin Catchment.
"Local Authorities, Industry and
Agriculture hold the key to phosphorous based pollution reduction in our once
pristine Irish waterways and it is here we must concentrate our efforts
through educational awareness, co-operation, legislative enforcement and
compliance and a sense of national pride and determination to restore water
quality", concluded Mr Eamon Cusack
END
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