A CONSORTIUM of angling and environmental groups from all over Ireland met in the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway last Sunday to discuss a national strategy to counteract plans to expand open salmon cages along the western seaboard, according to the group Galway Bay Again Salmon Cages (Gbasc).
Delegates heard that plans are afoot in the preparation of further Environmental Impact Statements for a number of salmon farming sites in Galway, Mayo and Donegal.
Anglers and tourist interests expressed concerns that their sectors would be hit and and that job losses would occur as salmon rivers within a 30k radius of cages would have their young salmon returning to sea infected by lice from salmon installations.
Plans will now be put in place to increase public awareness of the folly of salmon cages in the marine at the expense of existing inshore fishing, angling and tourism jobs, Gbasc said.
Representatives attending the meeting included: Gbasc, Fissta, Swi, Save Bantry Bay, Galway Bay Protection Group, Dodder Anglers, Nara, Carra/Mask Corrib Water Protection Group, Fie, No Salmon Farms at Sea, Inshore Fishermen representatives, managers from Boluisce and Costello Fisheries, Corrib Anglers’ Federation, Tafi, B&B owners and tourist/food interests.
Strong winds
During the early part of last week water levels dropped back to 0.85m on the River Drowes with strong winds bringing hail and sleet.
At time of writing the river has recorded four salmon since opening day on January 1st. Richard Kinnaird caught and released the third on a Green-butt Cascade fly from the Upper Mill Pool.
As this salmon was the first to be released this year on the Drowes, Richard received a Go Pro 3 Hero camera and a selection of salmon flies housed in a hand-carved wooden fly box, donated by Denis O’Toole. The fourth fish of 3.6kg fell to Joe Broderick on a Rapala lure from the Crooked Hole.
Coaching day
Leinster Provincial Council of the Ifsa organised a shore angling coaching day for juniors last Sunday on the South Beach, Arklow. Twenty juniors attended including a group from Foróige and Dublin Angling Initiative (Dai).
Under guidance from coaches representing the Ifsa, Dai, Foróige and Des Frasier (Southside Angling), the youths were introduced to bait presentation, trace making, casting and practical angling.
Anglers began catching from the start, mostly small whiting along with a few dogfish and coalfish. For some anglers, this was their first time to catch a fish. “It was a pleasure to see the different organisations work together for the benefit of youths. Keep an eye on the Ifsa website for similar events ifsa.ie,” Brian Cooke said.
Lough Lein agm
The 70th annual general meeting of Lough Lein Anglers' Association in Killarney, Co Kerry, was, by all accounts, a well-attended affair and included the election of 24 officers and committee for 2014.
In his report, honorary secretary Corry O’Flaherty said that several clean-ups of rubbish and clearing overhanging trees on the River Deenagh shoreline resulted in 50 bags collected, and with assistance from Tidy Towns, a further 33 bags were collected on the Muckross shore.
The charity competition raised an astounding €10,000 for the Irish Wheelchair Association South Kerry Branch and plans are underway for a new launching slipway, he said. Club president, MJ O’Connor was congratulated on reaching his 100th birthday.
Magical days
Stop Press! Keith Barry will be in attendance (if not called away on business) at the forthcoming Ireland Angling Show at Swords, Co Dublin, on February 15th and 16th. Also, a few remaining stands are still available. Call Grace at 074-954 8936.
Delphi does it
Thinking of a fishing trip to Delphi in Leenane, Co Galway, this season? For availability, info@delphilodge.ie.
angling@irishtimes.com