Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has undertaken a tagging programme to investigate the spawning migration patterns of Irish bass using a large number of adult bass in Cork harbour. The study took place in partnership with Finn Okland from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (Nina), Wildlife Computers, an electronic tagging company and local angling experts.
Miniaturised satellite tags were attached to angler-caught bass and are scheduled to release information such as their location in next spring to the Argos satellite. The satellite-based system collects, processes and disseminates environmental data from fixed and mobile platforms worldwide.
Okland, an international fish telemetry expert, was on-site for the tagging carried out over four days in Cork Harbour. This was a repeat of a similar effort in 2014 and information gleaned from those results enhanced the tag make-up and improved implementation of the latest exercise.
The tagging study is one element of a long-term national bass conservation programme which aims to determine the status of juvenile, pre-adult and adult bass around the coast. Working with anglers is a key element given that bass is the only marine fish species managed exclusively for angling.
IFI’s Dr Cathal Gallagher said, “Using this satellite technology marks ongoing developments in the use of advanced telemetry in Ireland. It emphasises the importance of ‘citizen science’ in supporting bass research.”
Okland said, “This is a very exciting project which is focused on investigating the migrations of bass using the latest technology.”
For more information visit: fisheriesireland.ie.
Fishing conference
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) held a fishing conference last week in its visitor centre at Coed y Brenin. Organised by the Clwyd, Conwy and Gwynedd Rivers Trust, the seminar attracted more than 60 people with a passion for fisheries. Lectures were given by Dr Peter Hutchinson of North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation on salmon survival at sea. Dr Nigel Milner spoke about the life cycle of Celtic sea trout and Richard White of the Rivers Trust addressed the issue of river habitat.
Environmental officer Sarah Aubrey discussed how NRW monitors the toxic chemical Cypermethrin and endeavours to curtail its use by people near river habitats .
Youth championships
The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland has succeeded in its bid to host the world youth championships at the Inniscarra Reservoir in Coachford, Co Cork, in July 2017. The event is expected to attract 40 teams from around the world.
The Coachford Greenway is an ideal venue with its 2.8km linear walkway providing easy access for anglers to the reservoir. The announcement comes with an amendment to the age categories, which will see teams extended to allow up to the age of 25 to compete.
Youth team manager Jack Tisdall said: “To host this prestigious event on home territory is fantastic news for Ireland’s angling youths. We welcome the extended age categories which provides more opportunity for those anglers not yet ready for senior teams.”
Fun read
Looking Through Water
, a novel by Bob Rich, is a fun read of adventure, life lessons and compassion. The author of several non-fiction fishing books, Rich takes on the role of raconteur in his first novel.
“It’s an adventure and love story, filled with conflict, emotion, healing and fishing. I had great fun inventing colourful characters and plot twists,” he said.
The respected global business leader and world-class angler, is chairman of Rich Products/SeaPak with 100 locations worldwide.
Along with helping many non-profit charities he has raised millions, hosting fishing tournaments to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Looking Through Water is now available on Amazon.co.uk, BN.com (Barnes & Noble), and BobRichBooks.com. $24.99 (€22.98). Hardcover. ISBN: 978-1-5107-0314-8.
angling@irishtimes.com
