The period from April 26th to May 4th is Fisheries Awareness Week in the Shannon Catchment. We have organised a series of events throughout the Catchment to encourage more people to experience the excitement and the many benefits of recreational angling and to develop a greater understanding of the fisheries environment. These events will provide opportunities for young people and their families to explore the marvellous fisheries resource to be found throughout the Catchment, along the banks of the mighty Shannon and its fine tributaries.
Over thirty events are planned throughout the Shannon catchment. There are 18 “Take a Friend Fishing” events organised in conjunction with local angling clubs to give people an opportunity to try their hand at angling, these range from Salmon angling in Kerry to Trout angling in Cavan. Other events include river walks, open days and boat cruises. The “Water is Life” children’s art competition, which attracted over 8,000 entries last year, will culminate in a prize giving ceremony, where all of the art work will be on display. So why not book a place at one of these events, take a friend fishing or try your hand at angling.

A highlight of the week will be a major conference on the 30th April in The Strand Hotel, Limerick entitled “Shannon Waters - Managing Fisheries in Challenging Times”. The conference is an opportunity for stakeholders and anyone with an interest in our water environment to learn about the issues facing fish and their habitat.
Mr. Michael Callaghan, Chairperson of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, outlining the importance of the conference, stated that “managing our fisheries resource is becoming more complex, requiring new work methods, knowledge and skills to deal with old and new threats to our waters. Constraints on resources demands that our work must be done as efficiently as possible and where possible we utilise innovative funding and partnership opportunities. Now more than ever we need to work smarter, utilise our funding more efficiently and work with our stakeholders. This conference gives our stakeholders an opportunity to understand the threats to our fisheries and how best to preserve and improve this vital national resource.”
Mr. Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer of The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated that; “In the economic climate now engulfing the country recreational angling is an inexpensive and rewarding activity for the young and old. It a great relief from stress and our country has some of the best and most accessible angling in the world.
Almost everyone has fond memories of going fishing with their siblings, parents or friends. Why not take it up again? To those lucky enough to fish already, why not take someone special fishing and help them “Catch a Memory. Angling is one of the easiest and most affordable ways of enjoying time out with your family and friends. So why not pack a picnic and experience the excitement of a day’s fishing?”