PRESS STATEMENTS 2009

Minister of State Conor Lenihan announces publication of the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009

Poacher is convicted for using spear and lamp to take spawning Salmon

Date: October 23rd, 2009.

Today in Limerick District Court an individual was successfully prosecuted by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board for poaching salmon on spawning grounds in the Mulkear River. The poachers were taking fish illegally by spearing the salmon as they move onto gravel beds to lay their eggs.

Last winter on the Mulkear river near Cappamore, Co. Limerick, Fisheries Officers on a night patrol encountered a group of salmon poachers who were armed with spears and lamps. After giving chase one of the gang was apprehended and charged with illegal salmon fishing.

This successful outcome was the part of the Boards intensive salmon spawning surveillance operations at known hot spots.

The life cycle of salmon is a complicated and wondrous one. They are born in rivers and live there for approximately three years before transforming into smolts. The salmon smolts go to sea where they can travel as far as Greenland to mature into adults. After one or two years, they return to the river in which they are born to begin the cycle again. Female salmon dig a nest (redd) in the clean waters and gravels with their tails to lay their eggs. Most salmon will die after they spawn. Wild Atlantic salmon are under severe threat nationally and internationally with numbers declining annually.

The Mulkear river is one of only two rivers which meets its salmon Conservation Limit in the Shannon Region. This means that angling is permitted for wild salmon under the Government Salmon Management regime. Currently the river holds excellent stocks of wild salmon but incidents such as these are extremely detrimental and will threaten their status. The river is managed by the Mulkear River Fishery Partnership.

Mr Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer of The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated “salmon are under threat at many times throughout their lifecycle and for fish to be taken in this way - when they are at their most vulnerable - is appalling. Excuses are made that this kind of poaching is traditional in some areas. Poaching of spawning salmon is totally unacceptable and is a major contributor to the decline in salmon numbers. Hopefully as society becomes more aware of our threatened environment this kind of activity will eventually die out.

It is timely that this conviction has taken place when salmon are now moving up river to their winter spawning grounds. In the coming weeks and into the New Year, salmon will be laying their eggs so a new cycle can begin again. Poachers attempt to sell salmon through door to door sales to pubs, restaurants, guest houses, hotels and the general public. The Board would strongly urge people to be vigilant to these activities and not contribute to the decline in our native salmon.”


The Board requests that anyone with information on such illegal activity to report it to our officers at 061-300238.

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For further information, please contact Eamon Cusack on 061 300238

Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick


Note to Editor:

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980 to conserve, develop, manage and promote the valuable inland fisheries and sea angling resources of the region in their own right and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of local communities. It covers the sea angling and inland fisheries of the Shannon River catchment from the River Feale catchment in North Kerry and the rivers of County Clare flowing westwards to the Atlantic to its source in Co. Cavan. The coastal boundaries stretch from Kerry Head to Hags Head in County Clare. The Region covers a land area of 17,776 square kilometres which is serviced by 18 Local Authorities.

2008 Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report Published

Press Release dated: 22nd October, 2009.

The Central Fisheries Board has published the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report for 2008. This detailed report offers valuable statistical data on the numbers of salmon and sea trout caught by commercial and recreational anglers.

The report provides key information to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and facilitates the implementation and review of policies aimed at conserving salmon and sea trout stocks. The angling statistics are important from a marketing perspective as they provide an insight into angling trends and inform marketing strategies aimed at developing new sustainable angling initiatives.

The 2008 statistics show that the total number of salmon harvested by all methods was 31,118. This represents a drop of 88% in the total number of salmon harvested from 2001 to 2008 and an increase of 10% since 2007.

The 2008 commercial harvest was 8,903 salmon and 59 sea trout (over 40cm). This represents 52% of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) allocated to this sector.

The recreational angling harvest was 22,215 salmon, an increase of 2,785 on the 2007 figures. The total number of salmon caught and released was 11,977 a decrease of 1,023 on the 2007 figures.

20,061 salmon rod licenses were sold in 2008, representing anglers from 50 different nationalities. 62% of licenses were sold to anglers from the Republic of Ireland, 12% were from Northern Ireland and 14% were from the UK.

The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme was introduced in 2001 under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999. The principal aims of the scheme are to provide a means of collecting accurate nominal catch statistics and estimates of salmon and sea trout stock exploitation, to develop best management strategies and to ensure these species are exploited in a manner consistent with their long-term sustainability on a national, regional, fishery district and river basis.

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For media enquires

Linda Mc Kenny, PR and Communication Officer, Central Fisheries Board, Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co. Dublin Tel: 01 8842639, Mobile: 087 3294440 Email: linda.mckenny@cfb.ie Website: www.cfb.ie

Notes to Editor:

The Central Fisheries Board (CFB) is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980.

Its principal functions are to advise the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on policy relating to the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries and sea angling, to co-ordinate and provide specialist and support services to the Regional Fisheries Boards, and to advise the Minister on the performance by the Regional Fisheries Boards of their functions.

The seven Regional Fisheries Boards have primary responsibility for fisheries management in their Regions. The role of the Regional Fisheries Boards is to conserve, protect, develop manage and promote inland fisheries. The Boards are also responsible for developing and promoting sea angling and protecting molluscs.

Under the rationalisation of state agencies outlined in Budget 2009, The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards will be merged to form Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in early 2010.
 

Give Angling a go! Free events for Fisheries Awareness Week

Press Release dated 21st August

If you have never been fishing before and you would like to give it a go, now is your big chance. Twenty five free angling and environmental related events will be taking place at many locations across the country between the 29th of August and September 5th and everyone is invited to take part. The events are free, fun and all the family can have a go. Activities and events on offer include beach fishing, coarse fishing and fly fishing. A number of presentations and demonstrations will also be talking place.

Fisheries Awareness Week has been coordinated by the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards in association with angling clubs, national organisations, tackle shops and casting instructors.

The goal is to encourage children, teenagers and adults who have not tried fishing or who would like to find out more about the sport to pick up a rod and get started. It is hoped that these events which are free to the public will get more people involved in angling.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of the Central Fisheries Board said “Angling is low cost, fun activity that allows families to spend quality time together. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to try out a new activity for free. We are hoping that people who decide to have a go at angling during ‘Fisheries Awareness Week’ will stay with this wonderful sport.”

If you want to take part in a free event during Fisheries Awareness Week, please log onto http://www.cfb.ie  for a full list of the events taking place across the country.

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Minister Appoints CEO Designate of Inland Fisheries Authority

Date: Dublin 5 August 2009

Mr Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources has announced the appointment, on the recommendation of the Public Appointments Service, of Dr Ciaran Byrne as Chief Executive Designate of Inland Fisheries Ireland with effect from 1 August 2009.

Following on from the announcement of the overall rationalisation of State agencies, the Government has formally approved proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector.

Inland Fisheries Ireland will be established, following the amalgamation of the Central and 7 regional fisheries boards, by the enactment of new legislation to be approved by the Oireachtas before the end of the year.

Dr Byrne will be seconded to the role from his current position of CEO of the Central Fisheries Board. His immediate task will be to prepare the fisheries boards for the transition to the new organisation.

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Notes for Editors

The new structures are to be delivered in 2010 and the Government has agreed to the priority drafting of the required Restructuring of the Inland Fisheries Sector Bill. Details of the legislation were provided to interested stakeholders in May 2009 and the Heads of Bill will be published in advance of the return of the Dáil from its summer recess.

The CEO Designate along with the Restructuring Implementation Group already established by the Minister will continue the work of developing the key features of the new model and transitional arrangement required for the smooth changeover to the new structures.

Boat seized as French anglers found fishing with live French Carp on Lough Derg

Date: 24th April 2009

In the days preceding Fisheries Awareness Week, during which the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board (ShRFB ) is seeking to educate and promote awareness of our valuable natural fisheries resource, an incident was uncovered which had the potential to cause serious damage to one of Ireland's finest wild fisheries.

During a routine patrol of Lough Derg near Killaloe yesterday 23rd April 2009, Fisheries Officers from the ShRFB on routine patrol uncovered the most serious incident to date regarding the importation of live fish for use as fishing bait. A group of French anglers were using live carp as bait for pike fishing. During the course of the investigation, Officers uncovered live carp on fishing rods, in tanks both inside a boat and in containers which were tied onto another boat. There were even live carp being held in a keep net, which was attached to the jetty on the shore and in their holiday accommodation.

The carp, which the anglers had in their possession, was brought with them from France into Ireland. The use of live bait in Ireland is illegal for a number of reasons but mainly to prevent non- native fish movements and the introduction of disease. Of serious concern to the ShRFB is that carp are not currently present in Lough Derg. These carp could have the potential to introduce diseases or if carp became established in Lough Derg, they would upset the balance of nature. Lough Derg is the third largest lake in Ireland and is rich in fish species such as trout, bream, pike and roach.

Mr Eamon Cusack, CEO of the ShRFB, stated that “incidents like this are becoming all too common. While on this occasion I would hope that we have prevented a more serious situation developing, we cannot cover all waters all of the time. While we are currently working with other agencies to tighten regulations it is also imperative on us to make anglers and people aware of the consequences to our native fish of such actions.

One of the highlights of Fisheries Awareness Week is a one-day conference being held in Limerick on the 30th April, which is titled “Shannon Waters – Managing Fisheries in Challenging Times” and will address some of these issues. It is vitally important that anglers and those in the tourist industry are aware of the dangers the introduction of non- native fish species can have on our wild waters.”

Further details on the conference or Fisheries Awareness Week can be found at http://www.education.shrfb.ie
The Board requests the public, particularly accommodation providers and anglers, who may become aware of such illegal activity to contact the board's office at 061 300238.

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For further information, please contact Eamon Cusack Tel: 061 300238.

Note to Editor:

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980 to conserve, develop, manage and promote the valuable inland fisheries and sea angling resources of the region in their own right and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of local communities. It covers the sea angling and inland fisheries of the Shannon River catchment from the River Feale catchment in North Kerry and the rivers of County Clare flowing westwards to the Atlantic to its source in Co. Cavan. The coastal boundaries stretch from Kerry Head to Hags Head in County Clare. The Region covers a land area of 17,776 square kilometres which is serviced by 18 Local Authorities.
 

"Shannon Waters-Managing Fisheries in Challenging Times" 30th April, 2009 in the Strand Hotel Limerick

Date: 17th April 2009

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is hosting a one-day conference in the Strand Hotel Limerick on 30th April 2009, focusing on some of the key challenges facing our fisheries natural resource in these difficult times.

The conference is the highlight of Fisheries Awareness Week and is an opportunity for stakeholders and anyone with an interest in our inland waters to learn about the major issues facing fish and their complex environment. Our expert speakers will highlight the importance of our aquatic resources at community level and will seek to promote best practice amongst stakeholders. An important element of the conference will be the exchange of current knowledge and ideas amongst resource managers, scientists and the general public including encouraging the implementation of new ideas into the day to day operations and policies of the diverse groups responsible for, and interested in, the management of our fisheries resources.

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 demand that our work must be done efficiently and where possible we must 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.”
The Conference will review the thorny question of how best to rebuild our native fish stocks, through either hatchery stocking or natural interventions. The health of coarse fish stocks will be explored as will the impact on angling of introduced Alien species. Many questions have been raised as to the effects of seals and cormorants on wild fisheries and some interesting facts have been uncovered and will be discussed at this conference.

The Conference will also address Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs), can they benefit our waters and what will be the new challenges arising if ICWs are further developed?

Mr. Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer of The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated that; “this conference promises an exciting mix of stimulating discussions on challenges which face us today. One of the key messages will be that our fisheries environment is constantly changing and we who work in this area must adapt. As the aquatic environment changes and our knowledge increases, then we must act together and pool our resources to secure its future.”

Details of the conference and information on how to book are available on our website at www.shrfb.ie or by contacting our office at 061 300238.

DOWNLOAD SEMINAR DETAILS HERE ENTITLED 'SHANNON WATERS - MANAGING FISHERIES IN CHALLENGING TIMES'

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For further information, please contact Eamon Cusack on 061 300238

Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick


Note to Editor:

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980 to conserve, develop, manage and promote the valuable inland fisheries and sea angling resources of the region in their own right and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of local communities. It covers the sea angling and inland fisheries of the Shannon River catchment from the River Feale catchment in North Kerry and the rivers of County Clare flowing westwards to the Atlantic to its source in Co. Cavan. The coastal boundaries stretch from Kerry Head to Hags Head in County Clare. The Region covers a land area of 17,776 square kilometres which is serviced by 18 Local Authorities.

Something Fishy's Going on in the Shannon Catchment! ..... April 25th to May 4th

Date: 17th April 2009

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?”

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DOWNLOAD PROGRAMME OF EVENTS HERE

For further information, please contact Eamon Cusack on 0872425017

Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick

Note to Editor:

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980 to conserve, develop, manage and promote the valuable inland fisheries and sea angling resources of the region in their own right and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of local communities. It covers the sea angling and inland fisheries of the Shannon River catchment from the River Feale catchment in North Kerry and the rivers of County Clare flowing westwards to the Atlantic to its source in Co. Cavan. The coastal boundaries stretch from Kerry Head to Hags Head in County Clare. The Region covers a land area of 17,776 square kilometres which is serviced by 18 Local Authorities.
 

Minister Power announces restructuring of Inland Fisheries Sector - New structure to be delivered this year.

Dublin, 20 March 2009

Minister of State Seán Power today announced that the Government has approved proposals to restructure the inland fisheries sector. The decision will lead to savings of approximately €300,000 annually and follows the Budget Day announcement relating to the rationalisation of State agencies.

The primary changes to be made are:

• The creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. Given the nature of inland fisheries, the new authority will be organised with a strong regional presence, aligned on the boundaries of the River Basin Districts. The question of the retention of offices in both Galway and Ballina is to be considered further as the legislation providing for the new structures is progressed.

• The establishment of appropriate advisory fora based around a National Inland Fisheries Forum, the primary role of which will be to provide stakeholder input into policy formulation and sectoral development both nationally and locally.

• The dissolution of the existing Trout & Coarse Fisheries Co-operative Societies.

Speaking today, Minister Power said: ‘The approval of the restructuring along with the decision to give priority to the drafting of the necessary legislation is very welcome. I am confident that the Restructuring Implementation Group and the soon-to-be appointed CEO designate of Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue working to ensure a smooth changeover to the new Authority. The restructuring will bring about better use of existing resources and deliver improved value for money.’

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For further information, please contact:

Press Office

Department of Communications, Energy &

Natural Resources

T: 01 6782441 / 087 9349295

E.mail: press.office@dcenr.gov.ie
 

Call for urgent action as new Invasive Species confirmed in the Shannon Catchment

Date: 13th March 2009

At its recent meeting, the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board called for legislation to control the introduction of invasive plants and animals into Ireland. The Board expressed its concerns as it was confirmation that yet another invasive species has entered the Shannon Catchment. The Board is calling upon the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Eamon Ryan T.D. and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D. to urgently introduce comprehensive legislation to control the introduction of Invasive Species, similar to that introduced in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

This request follows confirmation that a new species “Hemimysis anomala “is now present in large numbers on Lough Ree and is also present on Lough Derg. Hemimysis anomala is a native of the Caspian Sea and is a shrimp like crustacean which has spread through Europe. It has also been introduced into the Great Lakes of North America. While it is too early to quantify the impact of its introduction into Irish waters, fears have been expressed that it will compete with juvenile fish, particularly Coarse Fish, for food and thus reduce their numbers.

The Chairman of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Mr Michael Callaghan stated that “the introduction of yet another new species may have a major impact on our native wild fish species and could possibly change the delicate balance of nature within our Rivers and Lakes. Our fear is that these changes may have a profound effect and be irreversible. Since the introduction of Zebra Mussels, calls have been made for the introduction of legislation, but none has been forthcoming. It is now time to act.”

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board fully supports the research undertaken by the Central Fisheries Board on Invasive Species and the identification of methods to halt their spread. This research is just one element of a required national strategy to deal with Invasive Species and should be complimented with the introduction of comprehensive legislation to control the spread of further non native species. The Board fears that our native wild fisheries could be changed utterly over the coming years unless the containment of such species is addressed.

The economic costs associated with Invasive Species should not be underestimated. In some of the least developed parts of the country local communities and tourism providers are dependent on angling to attract visitors. Additionally the costs of managing or eradicating Invasive Species could be enormous, preventive action will greatly reduce this cost. Invasive species are estimated to cost the EU between EUR 9,600 million and EUR 12,700 million annually once the costs of habitat damage, eradication efforts and impact on the wider economy are taken into account.

Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Office of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated that “we are presently aware of at least eleven invasive species which may have significant ecological impacts which have been introduced into the Shannon Catchment, all of which are having an effect on our aquatic environment. These include the Zebra Mussel and the recently identified Hemimysis anomala, fish species such as Dace and Chubb and plants such as Giant Hogweed and Lagarosiphon major. The number of new species being introduced is increasing in frequency at an alarming rate.”

Furthermore Mr Cusack stated that “Fisheries Staff are at the coal face when dealing with invasive species, either deliberately or inadvertently introduced into this country. There are no specific legal remedies available to Fisheries Staff, consequently there is little deterrent to those committed to bring in non native fish species. Often when the species comes to the attention of the Board it is too late and the species has already taken root in the ecosystem. International experience has shown that the most effective control is at the point of entry into the country. In some cases it is not possible to remove a species once it is established and where it is possible the cost of removal increases exponentially the longer it is left. ”

“As far back as the 1979 Berne Convention the European Community highlighted the need for members to “strictly control the introduction of non-native species”. In December of last year the EU published a number of policy options on adopting a Europe wide policy on the control of invasive species. The Shannon Board calls on the Government to take the lead in the development of such policies before it is too late for our native wild fish species. In the interim we urgently require national legislation until a Europe wide directive is put in place in several years time.”

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Draft Eel Management Plan submitted to European Commission

Dublin, 9th January 2009

The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Seán Power T.D. today announced that the Department has submitted a draft Eel Management Plan to the European Commission as required under Council Regulation No. 1100 of 2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel. The Irish Plan and Plans by all other Member States were required to be submitted for evaluation and approval by the EU Commission.

By way of background, recent scientific research issued by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, indicated that the European eel fish stock is so depleted that it is now outside safe biological limits. The EU Regulation is an attempt to achieve recovery of the stock to a sustainable level. The objective of each Eel Management Plan is achieve the escapement target set out in the Regulation (the escapement target aims to ensure that sufficient numbers of maturing silver eels are escaping for breeding purposes out to sea).

Given the implications of the scientific and management advice, the absolute necessity to conserve remaining stocks and the obligation to contribute to the recovery of stocks in the shortest time possible, four main Management Actions aimed at reducing eel mortality and increasing silver eel escapement in Irish waters are recommended in the draft Eel Management Plan.

These are:

* an immediate cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market,

* mitigation of the impact of hydropower, including a comprehensive silver eel trap and transport plan,

* ensuring upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers and

* the improvement of water quality in eel habitats.

Once approved by the Commission the Eel Management Plan must be implemented from 1 July 2009. It will take many years to achieve recovery of stocks to historical levels. An evaluation of the eel stock and management measures will be undertaken every 3 years until 2018 and every 6 years there after. For the foreseeable future, management of the fishery will focus on conservation.

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