FOR THE SECOND time in the last three years the Irish shore angling team has made the podium, after their bronze placing in this year’s world championships in the Veere region in Holland. They struck gold in South Africa in 2010.
Fishing was tough with anglers casting into a shipping channel that contained tackle grabbing ledges. Predominant species were dabs to 30cm, whiting, pouting and sole to 36cm. Most fish were taken at distance and zones were won with 15-25 fish.
In the final session the team had to close a four-point gap on the Italians, which they achieved admirably to claim the medal. “The qualification pool system has certainly proved a success,” Brian Cooke, of the IFSA, says.
Ireland’s team: T Lillis (manager), M Howlin, J Duggan, J O’Brien, D Kenrick, E Farrelly and K Begadon.
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At a marine research conference in Cork earlier this month, the Minister for Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd, launched the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) vessel, the Cosantóir Bradán, in her new role as a marine survey vessel.
The vessel will be employed as part of Infomar, the national marine mapping programme, and become part of providing the baseline mapping infrastructure in Irish near-shore waters, upon which future fisheries and government marine policy decisions will rely. The two-day seminar Enabling our Ocean Management included talks on ocean energy, hydrography and survey operations, aquaculture and fisheries, applied research, environment and heritage.
Ciaran Byrne, chief executive of IFI, says: “As a result of the cessation of driftnet fishing at sea, operations have switched to the use of faster inshore vessels that are more focused towards policing the fishery. We are delighted to be able to facilitate the mapping programme, particularly as recipients of the updated maps being produced.”
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A Wrexham angler who reported a tagged salmon has won $1,500 in an incentive scheme operated by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (Nasco). The salmon, caught on the River Dee in Wales, was tagged in May, 2011, and recaptured five months later.
Dr Peter Hutchinson, of Nasco, says: “The Dee is among a small group of intensively monitored salmon rivers, producing vital information to support salmon management at local, national and international levels.”
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The Newport River in Co Mayo had excellent water levels throughout September but only nine rods over a period of seven days. Sadly, this light fishing effort reflected the whole of the season.
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Ballygarrett National School in Co Wexford is this year’s winner of the “Something Fishy” education programme. The school beat 125 entrants nationwide with their project Fishylympics and received their award and cheque of €500 from Minister for Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd, at Wexford Education Centre, Enniscorthy.
Presented on DVD, the project is a quirky blend of the Olympics, X-Factor and well-known public figures, and shows the obstacles our fish have to overcome to survive and win in the Fishylympics.
Something Fishy is an educational resource programme aimed at fifth and sixth class students at primary level and is designed and promoted by Inland Fisheries Ireland and Blackrock Educational Centre.
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Howth Lifeboat annual supporters’ meeting will take place in Howth Yacht Club on Wednesday, November 14th, at8 pm. The meeting will include rescue video footage and a brief talk on the new Shannon Class All-Weather Boat which comes into service next year. All are welcome.
angling@irishtimes.com