Angling World/Derek Evans: Anglers spend a total of £113 million on angling in Scotland, with salmon and sea trout anglers accounting for over £73 million, according to the Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) in its latest newsletter edition of Scalereadings.
This was the headline statement in a report undertaken by Glasgow University for the Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, entitled, 'The Economic Impact of Game and Coarse Angling in Scotland'. It is of interest the equivalent calculation for golf in Scotland is £108 million.
How much larger might the figure be if stocks became truly sustainable and anglers spent more time on home waters rather than abroad.
Also, what is the equivalent figure beyond the borders of Scotland? The report also provides important information which will help achieve financial support to improve wild fish stocks to a sustainable level through research and advice on fishery and habitat management.
As the debate begins on primary legislation on fisheries, it is important AST plays its part in improving the wild fish knowledge of legislators and increasing its involvement in key discussions leading up to the draft Bill, according to the report.
NASF chairman, Orri Vigfusson, has reaffirmed NASF is currently focusing its efforts on the removal of - or a substantial reduction in the operation of - the Irish drift net fisheries.
At the 21st meeting of NASCO, the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation, in Iceland in June, pressure was put on the Republic of Ireland to accelerate the ending of mixed stock drift nets.
The meeting also elected Dr Ken Whelan, a member of the AST's Honorary Scientific Advisory panel, to the position of President of the NASCO Council.
Great Britain is crucially dependent on a proper understanding of their population abundance and the fishery-related factors which control them.
Carefully focused research is the route by which such knowledge should be gained and encouragement and open publication of ongoing developments are two of the principal objectives of the Trust.
Heavy rain throughout the afternoon failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 20 young anglers as they managed to land five salmon, an excellent achievement by any standards.
Fishing was slow to start with only one fish caught. However, as the tide started to fill a further four fish were taken with at least three others hooked and lost. Most of the youngsters opted for worm but some preferred the fly and the heaviest fish fell to the fly.
On the competitive side, the winner was Luke O'Connell, aged 12, a local lad who caught his 5.8lb salmon on the fly. He was presented with a spinning rod, reel and baits, sponsored by Macs Tackle Shop, Ballisodare. Keith McCormack, Carraroe was second with a 5lb salmon and received a fly rod, reel and line, presented by the fisheries board. Third place went to Karl Quigley for a 4lb fish and he won a spinning reel, also presented by the fisheries board.
The board wish to thank Ballisodare Fishing Club for making the fishery available for this event and club members and board staff who helped supervise and assist the youngsters where needed.
angling@irish-times.ie