Greenland deal done

The North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) and Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) has recently signed a seven-year salmon moratorium…

The North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) and Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) has recently signed a seven-year salmon moratorium agreement with Greenland.

In effect, this breakthrough agreement will close all commercial salmon fisheries in Greenlandic territorial waters, decommission nets, and reduce the accidental catching of salmon while trawling for other fish (alas, this will reduce supply to hospitals and old people's homes), according to NASF chairman Orri Vigfusson.

Compensation for the commercial salmon fishermen will go towards projects to redirect those netsmen to alternative sustainable fisheries in Greenland's inshore fishing industry and provide employment in coastal communities. In addition, the compensation will promote use of marine resources and benefit marine conservation, all of which are aimed at maintaining a zero commercial quota at Nasco, he said.

There was a notable increase in the number of anglers fishing the Moy system, with 201 salmon reported, bringing the total catch so far to 756 salmon. On the Moy Fishery, Des Chew had a 5.4kg springer from the Ridge Pool. The salmon, which opted for an Ally's Cascade, was released immediately by Chew who is actively involved in the Dublin Angling Initiative.

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The weather was mixed on Carrowmore Lake, but the lake fished very well, with 25 salmon recorded. Cameron Brant, Bob Sullivan and a group from the US enjoyed a catch of three salmon and four sea trout.

Angling also moved up a gear on the Newport River/Lough Beltra system with eight salmon caught and released. Rory Murray, Portlaoise, had an excellent day on the Glenisland Co-op side (Beltra East), where he landed salmon of 5.4kg and 2.7kg.

Note: The Burrishoole Fishery at Newport opens today.

With fresh grilse appearing in the river every day, fishing continues to improve at the Galway Weir and prospects look excellent for the next couple of months. On Sunday week, Fintan Murphy from Galway landed the fish of the week, a fine 6.3kg salmon, on shrimp.

On Lough Mask, mayfly and sedge patterns were successful, with some fish taken on Octopus and buzzer. Sedge hatches are starting to appear so evening fishing should improve in the coming weeks.

Staff of the Western Regional Fisheries Board held a fishing competition on Friday week to mark the retirement of assistant inspector Billy Murphy after 45 years service. Billy had worked on Mask since 1973 and was responsible for much of the habitat development work on spawning streams.

The National Disabled Angling Facility (NDAF) at Aughrim, Co Wicklow, is looking to buy a small boat, about 4m long, to enable staff clear weed growth and recover floats and line from the island on the lake.

Contact 0402-36552. The facility is open seven days, 9am until 9pm.

Arrangements are now complete for the second Clifden Open Boat Tournament that gets under way this Friday and continues until Sunday. In association with Clifden Station House Hotel, Chamber of Commerce and Blue Water Fishing, the package includes four nights' B&B plus dinners, three days' fishing, gala dinner, evening entertainment and partner programme. First prize includes a cheque for €5,000. Contact info@clifdenstationhouse.com.

At a time when bass are beginning to return to their pre-1987 stock levels, it is timely to remind anglers and commercial interests of the conservation bylaws which apply to this species. Conservation Bylaw SI298/ 2007 imposes a bag limit on anglers of two bass in any 24-hour period, and includes a total ban during the spawning season from May 15th and which expires this Friday.

For the commercial sector, the ban prohibits the catching and sale of bass (other than those imported into the State). Breaches should be reported to regional fisheries boards.

Results of Home International Fly-Fishing Spring Match held at Rutland Water earlier this month. 1, England (84 fish); 2, Scotland (65f); 3, Wales (54f); 4, Ireland (51f). Best basket: R. Sosbe, England (11 fish). Heaviest trout: K. Hunter, Scotland (1.7kg). Ireland's best angler: Tony Hogg, 10th placing with six fish.