Inland Fisheries Ireland confirm fish kill on River Tolka
Thursday, 20th September 2018: Inland Fisheries Ireland received a report of a fish kill on the River Tolka in the Tolka Valley Park area on Tuesday afternoon (18th September, 2018). Inland Fisheries Ireland personnel immediately attended the scene to commence an investigation.
A significant source of polluting material has been identified and samples have been taken for analysis. Dead fish have been recorded over approximately a 5km stretch of river. Inland Fisheries Ireland understands that relevant parties are undertaking appropriate remedial action. The investigation is continuing at this time.
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Confidential Hotline is available to the public to report illegal fishing, water pollution of invasive species.
ENDS
Kyne Commits funding for continued removal of Water weed from Lough Corrib
Inland Fisheries Ireland commences new Research Project into the invasive plant
Thursday, 20th September 2018: Sean Kyne TD, Minister with responsibility for the Inland Fisheries sector today committed funding of €300,000 for 2019 to ensure Inland Fisheries Ireland’s (IFI) successful operations involving extensive removal of the invasive water weed, Lagarosiphon Major (L.major), at Lough Corrib, Co. Galway, continue. Minister Kyne also asked Inland Fisheries Ireland and his Department to continue liaison with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), who have responsibility for the legislation covering Alien Invasive Species (AIS), and in particular liaison as regards species impacting on fisheries
Speaking as he visited Inland Fisheries Ireland’s stand at the National Ploughing Championships, Minister Kyne said: “The management of the curly-leaved waterweed took place on Lough Corrib from January – July 2018 with a view to protecting this important angling resource and I am committing significant funding to Inland Fisheries Ireland for 2019 for this initiative. I also welcome the new Inland Fisheries Ireland research project commenced recently which will see scientists survey the distribution of the plant on the Lough. I want to encourage liaison between Inland Fisheries Ireland and National Parks and Wildlife Service and other bodies on the issue of aquatic AIS so that a multi-agency approach can be brought to bear on the challenges involved” he added.
As part of the battle against L.major, Inland Fisheries Ireland cut and removed the weed across 73.5 hectares (73,500m2) of the Lough over a five month period this year in four sites which contained dense strands. These sites included Barrusheen Bay, Corrib View Bay, Drumsnauv Bay and Farnaught Bay.
In addition, 21.3ha (21, 320m2) of L.major was covered using the light excluding jute treatment method between May and July. The areas targeted included Cornamona Bay, School House Bay, Farnaught, Corrib View Bay, Bob’s Island, The Needles and Ballynalty Bay. Finally, an area of 250m2 was eradicated using the hand picking method across Farnaught, Cornamona Bay, Corrib View Bay, Bob’s Island and The Needles.
The ongoing weed management operations carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland has prevented the choking of bays by the weed which has occurred in the past. The management operations of L.major in Lough Corrib are supported annually by Galway Country Council and the Office of Public Works.
In addition to the management operations, Inland Fisheries Ireland commenced a research project last month which aims to establish the current distribution of L.major in Lough Corrib. New innovative methods are being trialled to survey the aquatic plant as part of this research. These include unmanned aerial drones, sub-aquatic remotely operated vehicles (ROV’s) and modern remote sensing techniques.
Physical and environmental factors will also be reviewed at sites on the lake each month to determine the influence of habitat and other factors on the distribution of the plant. The findings of the project will help inform policy on future control operations of the invasive plant in the future.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Lough Corrib is the second largest lake in Ireland and is of major conservation importance. It is a nationally important angling resource and as Lagarosiphon major has the potential to compromise the environmental, social and economic value of this unique resource, it is important that the appropriate control measures are put in place. Inland Fisheries Ireland welcomes the Minister’s commitment of funding for this programme.”
“Our staff have delivered a significant management programme for this invasive weed. The efficacy of the control measure implemented will now be evaluated by monitoring the natural recovery of the habitat and post-control assessment will continue. We also look forward to completing the L.majorresearch project next year which will provide useful information to help its control.”
For more information about Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie .
ENDS
First Aid for Angler Course (Rathcormac Co. Cork)
ACI have limited spaces on a First Aid for Angler Course. This Course will take place on Saturday the 22nd of September in Scoil Bhride (Old Building on main street) from 9.30 A.m to 5 P.m. The cost of this course is €25 per person. If you wish to attend please contact me @ secretaryaci1@gmail.com ASAP.
Irish Federation Of Sea Anglers (IFSA) Junior Camp at Cappaclough Beach Co.Kerry
Cappaclough Beach, Camp. Co. Kerry
This is one of the favourite beaches in Kerry due to its variety of species.
Over the summer two events have been held there to accommodate our juniors.
In July the Jimmy Smith- All Ireland championships were held on this interesting venue, this is a much anticipated competition and always a great turnout. The Maurice Dalton cup is the prize for the juniors and this year our u16s World Championship team competed for the cup in the competition.
As all the team were all attending the competition, the managers decided to arranged a team building weekend for the lads. There was great excitement as they gathered on Friday night before the competition and as always it always a pleasure to listen to the like-minded young anglers talk and make plans for the weekends fishing.
The completion was a great success with Finn Healy winning the cup, each of the young competitors did well and they all appeared to have enjoyed it. After the prize giving took place, they were all eager to get out and they ventured off to Dingle for the night of pleasure fishing. There was a great buzz that night when they arrived back to base with chat about who caught what.
I had the pleasure of hosting the team and all I can say is what a great bunch of polite young men, with such a passion for what they are doing. A great weekend was had by all.
At the end of August Cappaclough was the venue again for a Munster qualifier, the U 16s and U 21s get together for a 4 hour competition. This was the 2nd leg of three competitions held to determine the Munster teams for the Inter Provincials which take place early next year. They travelled from all over Munster for an early start, once again showing their determination and dedication to their sport. A total of 12 anglers took part and once again another successful event was run, with a good number of flounders and bass caught.
2018 Sports Capital Programme (Closing Date Friday the 19th October 2018)
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, are pleased to announce that the 2018 Sports Capital Programme is now open for applications.
Applications are being sought from sports clubs, voluntary and community groups, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs.
The Department has committed to, where possible, allowing those who submitted invalid applications in 2017 to submit corrected documents allowing those applications to be considered for funding under the 2018 Programme. If your organisation submitted an invalid application in 2017, you will be contacted separately in this regard.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS 5PM ON FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2018.
New research indicates pike in Irish waters have changed their diet
New research indicates pike in Irish waters have changed their diet
Wednesday, 29th of August 2018: Pike in Irish waters may have changed their diet preferences according to a new report launched today by Inland Fisheries Ireland. The report, entitled ‘Pike (Esox Lucius) in Ireland. Developing knowledge and tools to support policy and management’ looks at new research carried out on Lough Conn, County Mayo and Lough Derravaragh, County Westmeath in 2016 and provides an insight into the dietary habits of pike.
Previous dietary research carried out in the 1960s and 1970s in Lough Derravaragh and Lough Sheelin (located across Westmeath, Meath and Cavan) indicated that pike preferred to eat brown trout and perch. However, this latest research reveals that pike appear to have changed their prey preference and now predominately eat roach. Researchers in Scotland and England have also found similar changes in pike diet occurring in Loch Lomond (Scotland) and Lake Windermere (England). It is thought the changes in diet are due to the invasion of roach in these waters.
The research examines whether pike and brown trout can co-exist in the same habitat. Using statistical models, it found that pike and brown trout could live together within relatively large deep lakes with strong stream connectivity however in small, low-complex systems pike introductions could potentially have a devastating impact on resident brown trout populations.
The practice of pike removal and the impact it has on brown trout stocks is also examined. The findings suggest that pike removal may only be effective in protecting brown trout populations in systems where trout are the only available prey but may have little effect in systems where other prey, such as roach, is available.
CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “This research was initiated to answer some on-going questions relating to the dietary preference of pike and the pike-brown trout interactions in lakes across Ireland. Previous studies in this area were carried out more than 50 years ago which is a long time within our changing lake systems.
“This research is important as it gives an insight into the behaviour of the pike species and provides updated information around their relationship with brown trout. The changing food web and altered preferences of predators in the water systems highlights the need for continued monitoring and updated data to inform effective management strategies.
“This research will now be considered alongside the many historic, socio economic and management factors which all inform fisheries management and development work. Inland Fisheries Ireland uses the best available scientific information to underpin management decision making and advice.”
To view a full copy of the report click: pdf Pike (Esox lucius) in Ireland: Developing Knowledge and Tools to Support Policy and Management (4.61 MB)
For further information see: www.fisheriesireland.ie/pikeresearch.
Inland Fisheries Ireland awarded vital funding to develop youth angling
Inland Fisheries Ireland awarded vital funding to develop youth angling
Action measures include a novice & youth angling strategy, a scheme to support angling events for young people and regional outreach co-ordinators
Thursday, 19th July 2018: Inland Fisheries Ireland has been awarded funding to develop angling among young people as part of the Dormant Account Action Plan 2018,announced by Sean Kyne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural Community Development. The Dormant Account Action Plan allocates €40 million in funding to 45 measures nationwide.
Minister Kyne said “Inland Fisheries Ireland was chosen as a recipient of two funding measures which will engage and support young and novice anglers in Ireland. The funding will see the development of a new novice angling strategy, a scheme to support angling events for novice and youth anglers and the appointment of five Regional Outreach Co-Ordinators”.
The measures are as follows:
Measure 2.7.1 Novice Angling Strategy (€70,000)
This measure will see the development of a Novice/Youth Angling Strategy and a scheme to support events for disadvantaged groups, angling hubs and coaches to ensure a safe environment for youths and vulnerable adults. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to support Angling for Youth Development Ireland (AFYDI) and the Angling Council of Ireland (ACI) who facilitate the formation of angling hubs nationally to increase access to angling through the provision of trained coaches and safe fishing.
Measure 2.7.2 Go Fishing – Novice Angling Initiative (€323,250)
This project will see the appointment of five regional Outreach Coordinators in the major urban areas who will work with Angling for Youth Development Ireland, the Angling Council of Ireland and other angling organisations to increase the numbers engaging in angling across the regions.
The Dormant Accounts fund supplements the support already allocated by Inland Fisheries Ireland to youth angling via the National Strategy for Angling Development(NSAD). These five appointments, together with NSAD supported posts, will deliver national education and outreach and novice angling briefs.
The funding will allow the organisation to properly resource a novice angling strategy which will incorporate one of its existing youth angling programmes, the Dublin Angling Initiative, and the many other education & outreach initiatives which are taking place across the country. It will also reach out to and include angling and voluntary organisations nationwide.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We are delighted to welcome this funding which will support us in growing the numbers of novice and youth anglers in Ireland. Recent socio-economic studies of recreational angling in Ireland reveal that of the 325,000 anglers in Ireland, 37 per cent are over 55 years of age and 49 per cent are in the 35-54 age bracket. We know however that 83 per cent of primary school students we surveyed want to go fishing.
There is a huge opportunity for us to engage the next generation around our natural fisheries resource and to introduce them to angling, a pastime they can enjoy at any age or ability with many health and wellbeing benefits. The Dormant Account funding will help us realise our ambitious objectives of growing participation in fishing nationally and secure the future of our resource as a result. We look forward to working closely with angling groups and communities across Ireland in the development of a new Youth Angling Strategy and the roll out of related novice angling initiatives.”
The Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2018 can be found on the Department’s website here. For more information about Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie .
ENDS
Team Ireland Home Nations Boat Champions 2018
HOME NATIONS BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018
COBH , COUNTY CORK , Wednesday 13th – Saturday 16th June
The event was hosted by Munster Provincial Council IFSA , teams from all four countries participated and were welcomed to Cobh by our IFSA President Mr. Pat Walsh who opened proceedings on Wednesday night at headquarters for the event the Commodore Hotel, among the guests was the owner of the hotel Mr Pat o Shea who is an accomplished angler himself , also present were Mr Danny Kane Chairman and Mr Sean McShane Treasurer Munster Provincial Council,
Pictured are team members representing from left England, Ireland, Wales ,and Scotland.
All teams had practice sessions in the designated zones and the weather at the beginning of the week was calm and fishing was good, as the week progressed winds increased and the official practice day had to be confined to the harbour , however the outlook was for better weather on the competition days , team England were looking for a third victory in a row but it was team Ireland who got off to a flying start with 3 boat wins and 2 seconds to give a lead of 130% on day 1, on day 2 Ireland had 3 more boat wins which increased the lead by another 100% to give a historic victory for Ireland , the team consisted of Dan Lynch , Pat Condon , Padraic Clear, John Dennehy , Graham Garvey and Michael Callaghan.
Munster Provincial Council would like to thank the following for helping to make this one of the most memorable championships in recent years , Mr Joe Birney Treasurer and Mr John Martin Secretary from Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, Cork County Council and Mr Paraig Lynch Municipal District Officer, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Mooney Boats Killybegs / Grunden wet gear, the Management and staff of the Commodore Hotel, Tradewinds Restaurant, BMC Supermarket, Charter skippers, Stewards Pat Wright, Liam o Callaghan, Brian Whelan, Joe Byrne, Sean og McShane, local councillors ,Cathal Rasmussen, Diarmuid o Cadhla , Shay McShane, Tronix Pro, Halfway Angling Centre, Superseal window systems, Tim o Herlihy Munster Council, Bait suppliers , all our sponsors , we would also like to thank everyone who sent good wishes and congratulations on social media and especially Mike Bardsley from Cobh Edition for his assistance,
IFSA President Pat Walsh keeping an eye on proceedings.
The backroom team Brian Whelan , Sean McShane , Sandra o Shea , Danny Kane.
Anglers busy preparing bait aboard Wreckhunter and Osprey
Osprey II standing off ready for a busy day at sea
Skipper of Lagosta II heading out of Cork Harbour
Steward Sean Og McShane distributing bait on board Lagosta II
Sean McShane and Danny Kane from IFSA on Kennedy Pier, Cobh.
Results from Day 1.
Team Managers Steve Batchelor, Dan Lynch, Rob Roberts, Don Campbell , pictured with President of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers Mr Pat Walsh.
Chairman of Munster Provincial Council Danny Kane pictured with IFSA President Pat Walsh.
Team Ireland ,Michael Callaghan, Graham Garvey, Padraic Clear, John Dennehy, Dan Lynch, Pat Condon, Pat Walsh.
With the result going our way the evening was topped off with a presentation to our Life President who celebrated his 90th birthday on the night and a special presentation by Manager Dan Lynch of a Gold medal to Pat Walsh.
Mr Pat Walsh holds a special place in many peoples hearts as he was the Home Nations Manager for many years and guided many of the current crop of anglers in their early years as International anglers.
Pat and his wife Treasa are senior members of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers for many years and it was our privilege that they travelled from Achill to be with us for the championships. Munster Provincial Council would like to thank all the anglers who took part in the championships and we hope you enjoyed your time in Ireland and that we see you again in the future.
Team Scotland , Scott Rennie, Tom Lessels, Don Campbell, Gillies Mackenzie, Darren Rose, Mick Duff, and Malcolm McDonald.
Another Gold for Mr President.
Team England members, John Bellamy, Martin Bobbit, Richard Day, Peter Bailey, Steve Batchelor, Gary Geoghegan, Brett Lomas Results of Home Nations 2018 (1)
Overall results
Mr Pat Walsh Life President Irish Federation of Sea Anglers.
Team Wales , Mark Northam, Colin Orme, Thomas, Medwyn Jones, Phil Clarke, Gareth Prothero, Rob Roberts, Ray Eyers.
Team Ireland Manager Dan Lynch with President Pat Walsh.
