Anglers fear for future of west’s rivers

Leading angling groups across the west have lashed out this week at the state’s decision to withdraw from vital conservation work on the country’s lakes and rivers – a move they say could cost thousands of jobs and millions in lost tourism revenue.

Indeed they say that Inland Fisheries Ireland’s withdrawal from vital conservation work for trout and salmon could even put the very future of those lakes and rivers in doubt.

IFI is charged with protecting, conserving and managing fish stocks and supporting anglers across Ireland and its waters. But three years ago, IFI launched the National Strategy for Angling Development, withdrawing from managing pristine nursery streams – an essential habitat for growing trout and salmon.

Under the current rules, local angling clubs apply directly to the IFI for funding for work such as stream development, setting out how they intend to improve and enhance streams – even though clubs often have no experience of this work.

Critics of the strategy – including local angling clubs and conservation charities – claim that IFI is withdrawing from stream development in favour of building new infrastructure projects like car parks and fishing platforms.

Leading conservationist Dennis Moss – a veteran angler on Lough Corrib and the author of a number of seminal tomes on Ireland’s waters – has led the criticism of IFI’s strategy.

“It’s disgraceful that Ireland’s organisation for fish protection and conservation doesn’t work in-house to protect nursery habitats for trout and salmon,” he said.

“The IFI’s inefficient and passive role could cost over €3m and many local anglers question the long term benefit of its flawed strategy.

“The Government should intervene to stop this waste of money before irreparable damage is done to fisheries and angling in Ireland’s iconic limestone waters,” he added.

He was supported by Martin Kinneavy, Chairperson of the Connacht Angling Council.

“IFI’s core responsibility should be the development and protection of game fish stocks. It is clear that this has fallen down their list of priorities,” he said.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.