A new pilot scheme to develop and protect inland fisheries is to be carried out on six famous Irish angling rivers. They are the Vartry in Co Wicklow, the Barrow in Co Kilkenny, the Mulkear in Co Limerick, the Laune in Co Kerry, the Moy in Co Mayo, and the south Donegal catchment area, taking in Drouse/ Lough and Melvin/Pettigoe.
The Minister for the Marine, Dr Woods, said that under the scheme, local fisheries, tourism, angling, industry and farming interests will work together to plan a development strategy to improve water quality, prevent pollution and protect fish life.
"The aim is to ensure that the resources of the fisheries service and all relevant agencies and interests are deployed and mobilised to best effect to prevent pollution and to develop Ireland's rivers and lakes to their full potential, in the interests of all who use them," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Woods has expressed grave concern about the fish kill on the Cullaunyheeda lake and Rine river in Co Clare, which is thought to have been caused by eutrophication related to an algal bloom most likely due to nutrient over-enrichment.