FOLLOWING the loss of 230,000 farmed salmon in Bantry Bay last February as a result of a cage breaking loose from its mooring and upending itself into another cage at Gerahies, the Minister for Marine, Simon Coveney, has declined to release the Department’s report on the loss, according to Save Bantry Bay (SBB) and Friends of the Earth (FIE).
The Minister’s decision asserts that the work is not completed and that the public interest would not be served by the disclosure of the report.
In March, Alex O’Donovan of SBB said they understood after the official count in February that the farm had been “virtually wiped out”. The minister later confirmed the loss of 230,000 salmon.
Despite repeated requests, FIE and SBB have been refused the report, breaking the Minister’s previous precedent of releasing such documents regarding salmon farm escapes, they said.
Last week FIE’s appeal was turned down on the grounds the report was an “internal communication in the course of completion” and that it “would not be in the public interest to release”.
Tony Lowes of FIE, said: “The Department has announced it has given permission for the operators to restock this site. How can they do this if the report on the accident is not complete and how can this secretive manner of operating be in the public interest?” FIE has appealed the decision to the Information Commissioner and are filing a complaint for maladministration with the Ombudsman.
Codling and pollock
I enjoyed a boat sea outing last week with Dick Hayes on board his vessel,
Enterprise
. Fishing north of the Saltees off Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford, we encountered plenty of codling and pollock and a selection of minor species.
Similar to my sunfish experience the previous week in Cork, on this occasion I saw a large dolphin pitching on at least six occasions across the water at great speed. According to Dick, it was a Risso Dolphin. “There’s a few of them in the area for a while now,” he said. Another example of climate change? For bookings, call 087-2549111.
Trolling a smelt
Mark Dorosz, on holiday from New York, caught a fine trout trolling a smelt around Inchagoil Island on Corrib. “It was a very hot day, bright sunshine and flat calm, so fly fishing was not an option,” his friend Garrett Byrne said. The fish, estimated to weigh 10lb-plus, went back alive and well.
Screebe delivers
Screebe fisheries manager Trevor Doen says fishing has improved with the occasional heavy rain and spring tides. One interesting characteristic of Screebe is that even in low water salmon and sea trout can get to the top of the third lake and the salmon pool.
Recently, four anglers from the Moyola AC enjoyed four spectacular days fishing for trout on the bottom lakes. “They did the club proud with 210 brown trout, 35 sea trout and one grilse, releasing all the trout in sporting fashion,” Trevor said. Call 091-574110.
Real World Cup
The real
World Cup
Trout Fly Angling Championship
gets under way next week from Thursday to Bank Holiday Monday on Mask with fishing from Cushlough Bay, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo.
Closing date for entries expired last Friday, however, late entries may still be accepted. Apply now to Secretary, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. Call 087-2222867.
Cong contest
Don’t forget Dorrie Gibbons’s wetfly/dapping competition to raise funds for Galway Autism Partnership this Saturday on either Corrib or Mask (your choice). Registration at Lydons Lodge Hotel in Cong for fishing 11am to 6pm. Entry fee is €50 with boat. Great selection of prizes. Call 087-9383185.
Kylemore Abbey fishery produced 11 grilse for 13 rod-days, with Conor McCormick landing three and Steve Eustace two. Steve’s second fish was landed at Tullywee Bridge and while he was sorting out a tag, his son Nick, was accosted by an otter who duly picked up the fish and headed for the nearest bushes!
Two otters have been spotted on this stretch with one killed three mornings ago on the road. This otter rearing its young on its own and will stoop to robbing our anglers’ catch . . . be warned! Call 087-9580702. angling@irishtimes.com
