The latest newsletter issued by the Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) reports on a salmon summit at which the Environment Agency (EA) announced it was developing a five-point approach to conserving salmon. Since then it has been working with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and conservation NGOs, including AST.
The approach is focused on five key areas: Improving marine survival; further reducing exploitation by nets and rods; removing barriers to migration; safeguarding sufficient flows in rivers and maximising spawning success by improving water quality.
In each of these areas the EA and Defra have agreed on a number of high level commitments for delivery over the next five years.
0 of 3
In addition, the Angling Trust will be working to reduce the numbers of salmon killed by anglers, and the Rivers Trust will develop partnerships with local communities to improve habitats.
The real problems salmon face are at sea and as a result of habitat degradation, pollution and barriers to migration in freshwater. Actions to tackle these obstacles need to involve everyone responsible for safeguarding the aquatic environment.
It is therefore encouraging to note the commitments the EA and Defra have undertaken to embrace all parts of these organisations, including those responsible for the river abstractions that deplete flows and controlling pollution.
The plan also recognises that salmon conservation is not a task solely for the government and its agencies; equally, it is not something that can be left to fisheries owners and third sector organisations.
Partnership working will play an essential role in the success of the plan, and it is encouraging to see it has been developed with full participation of the main angling and fisheries conservation NGOs.
Although the plan is targeted on salmon, it will also help sea trout, which are equally affected by barriers to migration, low flows and poor habitat. More widely, full implementation of these measures would substantially improve all aspects of our rivers and streams.
“The announcement of yet another plan to protect salmon is bound to be met with cynicism by those who feel that they have seen all this before, but on this occasion there are grounds for believing the cynics may be wrong. Most significantly, it recognises that the plight of salmon is not primarily a fisheries problem,” AST said.
Moy on top
Once again, the River Moy tops the list in terms of catch returns with more than 600 salmon caught in the past week. Fresh fish were present throughout the system, mostly in the 1.3kg to 2.7kg bracket. However, a number of bigger fish, well into double figures, were also caught.
Allison Lepping from the US had a fine 6.2kg salmon on Mount Falcon, while Gilles Boudier enjoyed excellent fishing on Armstrong’s with bubble and fly. The Frenchman landed three including a cracking fish of 7.2kg.
Drowse well stocked
The Drowes is “full of grilse” declared fishery officer Lindsey Clarke as the river recorded an average daily catch of 12 salmon, bringing the total to date to 88 with many records yet to be entered when visitors return their weekly catches. Grilse were caught from all areas of the river on fly, spinner, worm and prawn/shrimp.
Best week so far for Galway fishery
It was also the best week of the season for the Galway fishery with 121 fish in the book and many more lost. The fishery averaged 17-18 fish per day, the best day being the 23rd with 23 fish, including 19 on fly.
International superstar banjo player Enda Scahill from We Banjo Three, who played for President Obama in the White House recently, caught a nice fish on fly. Sean McManmon had a good day with fish released and kept for the plate, while 97 years young Ned Cusack had two fish on shrimp.
Bountyful Ballynahinch
The fishing season is in full flight at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Connemara, Co Galway, with 28 salmon recorded so far in the fishing register. The honour of first of the season went to Richard Carr who not only caught the first but his first ever fish at Ballynahinch.
Richard has been fishing the river with his two brothers and late father for over 40 years. There is still availability, email info@ballynahinch-castle.com or 095-31006.
Blue shark season
John Fleming, skipper of
Brazen Hussy II
is determined to make it a blue shark season to remember for his guests and kicked off the season in style with a fine blue of 38.2kg to the boat. “We had a double hook-up at the same time, but the second shark threw the hook before we could get it to the boat,” he said.
June is early for blues in Galway, so it’s a good sign that water temperatures are up and it could be a good season for shark fishing. To book a day, contact John at 087-7571320, bluesharkangling.ie.
Scots win on Don
Home ground paid off for Scotland with a comfortable win in the recent home international championship on the River Don in Aberdeenshire. Catch and release was to the forefront with all fish returned and points allocated to fish in excess of 20cm.
Results: 1, Scotland, 48 fish; 2, Wales, 44f; 3, England, 38f; 4, Ireland, 26f. Brian Russell was best individual Irish angler with seven fish for a ninth overall placing.
angling@irishtimes.com
