ANGLERS will not be allowed to keep any Atlantic salmon caught in the Maritimes in 2015, according to CBC News in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia. The conservation measure was announced recently by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, in response to dwindling salmon numbers.
The announcement extends to all waters of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia where salmon angling was permitted. However, fishing will still be allowed, but only on a catch and release basis.
In 2014, the numbers returning to the Miramichi River was a dismal 12,000. In contrast, in the first 10 years of this century, 53,000 salmon returned annually and, in the 1990s, up to 82,000 returned to spawn.
The stark drop in salmon numbers led the minister to announce the creation of a ministerial advisory committee on Atlantic salmon. The first series of recommendations from this committee led to the catch and release policy for 2015.
“These are frightening numbers,” Miramichi Salmon Association chairman David Wilson said following the count release for last year.
Fisheries’ Fund open
In Ireland, the Minister of State for Natural Resources, Joe McHugh, has announced the 2015 Salmon Conservation Fund and Midland Fisheries Fund are now open for applications. In total, €240,000 is available to develop the inland fisheries resource from funds generated through the sale of salmon licences and midland fisheries’ permits.
The schemes administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland will facilitate clubs, fishery owners and commercial salmon fishers to undertake works to improve habitat, stocks, access, invasive species management and angling.
“Some wonderful projects have been supported since these funds were established and I encourage all those interested to investigate the possibilities under the various schemes to promote their local fisheries,” the Minister said.
Details and application forms are now available on fisheriesireland.ie.
Lusitania centenary event
The School of History, University College Cork, is to host a conference,
The Lusitania and the war at sea, 1914-18
, this Wednesday, in UCC’s Boole I lecture theatre.
The conference marks the centenary of the sinking by a German U-boat off the Old Head of Kinsale in May 1915, which cost 1,200 lives and would lead to US intervention in the first World War in 1917.
There is no need to register and the conference is free. Call Gabriel Doherty, 021-902783 or email g.doherty@ucc.ie.
Michael Walshe remembered
As a mark of respect to the late great Michael Walshe (“the ambassador of the Corrib at Greenfields”), his many friends have organised a fishing day this Saturday .
The event will be very much a social occasion, with both dapping and fly-fishing the Mayfly, followed by drinks on the lawn at Ballycurrin and finger food in Greenfields pub. Entry fee is €15 with all proceeds to Michael’s chosen charity, the Simon Community. Contact Mary at 089-4507213 or Julie 086-0507516.
Gortnor trout competition
Lough Conn & Cullin Anglers’ Association will hold their annual Whit Weekend Trout Fly Fishing Competition on May 30th-31st at Gortnor Abbey Pier, Crossmolina, Co Mayo. The event carries a plethora of excellent prizes including a first prize of 19’ Sheelin boat (sponsored by Michael McCabe), framed set of flies from Gary Binley and the Tolan and Traynor Perpetual Cup.
As numbers are limited, it is advisable to book in advance of Friday, May 22nd, with Pádraic Traynor (086-605 2687) or Orla Walsh (087-214 4395). Entry fee, which includes dinner on boat nights, is €100 (with boat and engine) and €130 angler only.
angling@irishtimes.com
