GREENLAND’S decision to restrict its national salmon catch to subsistence levels, ie 20 tonnes annually for the next three years, came as good news to those attending last week’s meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation in Edinburgh.
The decision stands in sharp contrast to the unwillingness of the UK and Scottish governments to end the practice of mixed stocks coastal netting, which indiscriminately kills large numbers of salmon returning from their ocean feeding grounds to breed, according to the Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST).
Current estimates show that 90 per cent of salmon that feed in Greenland fjords are of North American origin, while 10 per cent are from European rivers. But that 10 per cent provides some of the best salmon in UK rivers, according to AST.
Spring salmon are the most prized of all and are extraordinarily valuable both to local economies and to the future of the species.
Tony Andrews, of AST, says: “Having met Inuit fishermen last year in Greenland, it was clear they are far from happy at having to restrict their catches while European countries continue to exploit salmon in mixed stocks fisheries.” For further information, contact 07748-634658.
Despite severe rainfall and flooding, the Moy system saw some excellent fishing, both before and following high water, with up to 400 salmon reported for the week. Welcome news is the return of the grilse, which are now appearing in good numbers, along with many late spring fish.
While the fish counter at Ballynahinch Castle Fishery continued to show large numbers of sea trout and grilse entering the system, they are proving quite difficult to catch.
However, hotel manager Patrick O’Flaherty and Bart Shea from Arizona found success recently with salmon of 1.8kg (4lb) and 4.3kg (9.5lb), respectively, and Tom McManus caught and released a sea trout of 1.6kg (3.5lb).
For fishing availability, contact martina@ballynahinch-castle.com
Newport House reported some good angling on the Newport River and Lough Beltra, with 10 salmon caught of late. The Beltra Badger, Allys Shrimp and Green Peter all proved productive. For bookings, tel: 098-41222
A threatened fish population received a boost last week, as 1,000 Arctic char were released into two north Wales lakes following a joint venture between Environment Agency Wales and Countryside Council for Wales.
Taking advantage of favourable weather, 500 char were released into Llyn Padarn, in Llanberis, and 500 into Llyn Crafnant, in the Conwy Valley. A further 500 fish will be released into each lake later in the year.
President Michael D Higgins availed of the ceremonial sword – one of the museum’s valued artefacts – to cut the line of marine flags to mark the official re-opening of the National Maritime Museum in the Old Mariner’s Church in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin last week.
The museum is in the former Mariners Church on Haigh Terrace and operated by Maritime Institute volunteers and Fás. The church ceased as a place of worship in 1972 and the institute leased it with financial aid from Irish Shipping. The building was purchased outright in 2008.
In mirror-like seas and glorious sunshine, a group of Howth anglers enjoyed a day’s fishing aboard charter-boat Enterprise, skippered by Dick Hayes and fishing out from Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, last Wednesday.
Nine varieties of fish were encountered, with pollock dominating. Not a mackerel was to be found anywhere!
At Courtmacsherry, Co Cork, fishing in the bay proved excellent, with big fish landed across an assortment of species. While anchored on a deep water reef, anglers caught 14 varieties including a common skate of about 45kg (100lb). See above photograph.
angling@irishtimes.com