ANGLING NOTES:ANALYSIS of Atlantic salmon- scale data has shown that a proportion of salmon from European rivers that make their way to the feeding grounds off west Greenland has dropped by more than 75 per cent in recent decades.
The Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) and its partners are now spearheading a project to help solve the mystery of why this is. Advances in micro-satellite DNA profiling now make it possible to identify salmon caught at sea to their natal region, and in some cases to their river of origin in Ireland.
Building on this work, the project will use existing genetic databases to carry out a pilot study of contemporary samples from fish-scale and tissue collections from salmon captured recently in the fishery at west Greenland.
Over the past 50 years scientists have collected samples from the fishery through an international sampling programme. This work has shown dramatic changes in the proportions of salmon from north America and Europe. Originally some 40 per cent of salmon caught along the coast of west Greenland were of European origin, but in recent years this has dropped to less than 10 per cent.
“Our major concern is with the weaker stocks and how these are impacted by the fisheries. The aim of this study is to identify individual river stocks so that their status can be taken into consideration in management terms,” said AST chief executive Tony Andrews.
For further information, contact Prof Ken Whelan, AST research director on: 086-783 5000.
* Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) staff are continuing to investigate an incident on the River Vartry in Co Wicklow, which resulted in fish mortalities over a 9km stretch from Roundwood downstream of the reservoir to Ashford.
Adult and juvenile salmon and trout were killed, but the precise number could not be confirmed due to high water levels. During the investigation IFI staff noted the presence of live fish along the affected stretch.
* It was another exceptional week on the River Moy, as the grilse continue to migrate in their thousands into the system. More than 700 salmon were reported, with many anglers stating they have not enjoyed a run as good since the mid-1990s.
* A similar story prevailed on the Ballisodar Fishery with 432 salmon caught over the past two weeks, of which 214 were released.
* On the Erriff fishery the run of salmon and grilse continued on every spate. Sea trout also returned in good numbers and in excellent condition. Raphael Amat from France, fishing the Erriff for the first time, caught and released two grilse on Beat 9 and also returned two sea trout. Overall catch for the month was 57 salmon and 30 sea trout.
* “We have just recorded our 50th salmon of the season. To achieve the same feat last year, we had to wait until July 31st,” according to Kylemore fisheries manager, Nigel Rush. For bookings, contact nigelrush@eircom.net.
* The 57th World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship is scheduled for Lough Mask in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, from Thursday August 2nd to Monday August 6th. More than 600 competitors are expected for the five-day festival on one of Ireland’s finest wild trout fisheries.
Entry form and €130 fee should be sent to Esther Sweeney, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, by 19th July. Tel: 087-222 2867. For PayPal facility, visit www.worldcuptroutfly.com.
* Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre, Clonmel, Co Tipperary invites you to a fly-fishing Expo this Fri/Sat (July 13th/14th) with demos from great casters, fly tying, discounts on tackle and a chance to win a Guideline rod. To confirm attendance, call 052-613 6765. Admission is free.
* A fly-casting day in conjunction with Ballina Salmon Festival will take place next Saturday (July 14th), at The Point, Quay Road, Ballina, from 11 am. The event features the Irish Open Spey Casting Competition, advice from casting instructor Paddy McDonnell and fly tying demonstrations from Declan Tuffy and Frank Reilly.
angling@irishtimes.com