PRESS STATEMENTS 2010 - Shannon River Basin District

Details of Four Illustrated Talks in September, Cappamore Community Centre, Cappamore, Co Limerick

Issued by:
Ruairí Ó Conchúir,
Project Manager – MulkearLIFE
Inland Fisheries Ireland (Limerick Office)
Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick
Tel: 061 300 238 / Fax: 061 300 308 / Mob: 087 062 5582

E-mail: ruairi@shrfb.com
Web: www.mulkearlife.com  / http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie  / www.fisheriesireland.ie

MulkearLIFE is a new €1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (focused on the Mulkear River catchment) for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and European Otter. MulkearLIFE today announces details of its Autumn block of free Illustrated Talks. These illustrated talks form part of the four year Environmental Education Programme of MulkearLIFE working with schools and the local community within the Mulkear catchment in counties Limerick and Tipperary. The Autumn 2010 series of talks will focus on the extraordinarily rich natural heritage of the Mulkear Catchment. The series will take place over four Wednesdays in September and will include leading experts sharing their knowledge of biodiversity, angling, farming and conservation. The venue for all talks is the Community Centre, Cappamore, Co. Limerick. All talks will commence at 8.00pm sharp and admission to the talks is free of charge.

The first talk will take place on Wednesday 8th September. The guest speaker will be Mr. Glen Wightman of MulkearLIFE. The talk is entitled “The First Year of MulkearLIFE”. Mr. Wightman is the Project Officer of MulkearLIFE and his talk will focus on the work undertaken in the first year of operation of the EC-funded LIFE Nature project with a particular focus on work to enhance habitats for Salmon and Sea Lamprey. His talk will also focus on the instream works on the Mulkear and Newport rivers, the control and removal of non-native invasive weeds and electro fishing survey work which has recently been completed throughout the catchment.

Mr. Oisin Naughton will guest speak on Wednesday 15th September and his illustrated talk is called “Fish & Fishermen - Understanding Catchment Management”. Mr. Naughton is Catchment Management Officer for Inland Fisheries Ireland – Shannon River Basin District. His talk will focus on the importance of involving all stakeholders in catchment management to ensure the long-term sustainability of rivers and fish stocks. He will also outline the Management Plan for the Shannon Salmon Restoration Project in which he will outline the major impacts on salmon stocks and the work underway to address these concerns. His talk should be of particular interest to local anglers.

“Biodiversity Within The Mulkear Catchment – The Perspective of a Conservation Ranger” is the title of the third talk on Wednesday, 22nd September with Ms. Elaine Keegan as guest speaker. Ms. Keegan is employed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as a Conservation Ranger. Biodiversity loss is one of the biggest single threats facing the world today and the UN has declared 2010 as International Year of Biodiversity. Ms. Keegan will illustrate the rich biodiversity found within the region from the unique and insightful perspective of a conservation ranger and will outline the work of the NPWS to prevent the loss of biodiversity.

The series of illustrated talks will conclude on Wednesday 29th September with a talk by Mr. Ruairí Ó Conchúir entitled “Farming for Conservation in the Mulkear Catchment”. Mr. Ó Conchúir is Project Manager of MulkearLIFE. His talk will focus on the work of MulkearLIFE to build a partnership-based approach within the local farming community to implement practical cost effective ways through which river water quality on farms can be improved. The illustrated talk will draw on lessons from other High Nature Value farmland areas in Ireland and Scotland where farming for conservation approaches are proving successful. His talk should be of particular interest to local farmers.

Admission to all talks is free of charge and all are welcome. Further information regarding any of the talks may be obtained from the project website: www.mulkearlife.com or info@mulkearlife.com or from MulkearLIFE, Inland Fisheries Ireland (Limerick) on telephone number 061 300 238 / 087 062 5582.

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SEE DETAILS OF TALKS

Notes for Editors

1. High Resolution Digital Images are available to accompany this Press Release.
2. Interviews can be arranged with the MulkearLIFE Project Manager by using the contact details below.
3. MulkearLIFE is a new €1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (with a focus on the Mulkear River catchment) for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and European Otter. Further details may be viewed on the project website www.mulkearlife.com
4. Inland Fisheries Ireland (Limerick) is lead partner together with the OPW and Limerick County Council. Additional funding support comes from National Parks and Wildlife Service and Tipperary County Councils (NR & SR). Other supporters include Coillte, Department of Agriculture, Teagacs, IFA, ICMSA, and local angling groups.
5. The project is one of the first and most important integrated catchment management projects in Ireland. It is also a flagship European Commission LIFE Nature project – one of only two such projects awarded funding in Ireland in recent years. The project area covers some 650 sq km and contains a variety of habitats and protected species. Much of the area is designated as a Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the EU Habitats Directive and forms part of the Natura 2000 Network.

The Establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland

Dublin, July 1st, 2010.

Minister for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan heralded the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) today as an “historic development in the way we protect, conserve and develop our nationally important inland fisheries resource”. The IFI replaces 17 bodies formerly involved in the management of the resource and is fully operational as of today.

The establishment of IFI is an important milestone in delivering a new approach in the management of the inland fisheries sector. The Minister stressed his determination as Minister to effect change where this is needed. He said “We need a structure and organisation fit for purpose in the 21st Century. IFI will build on the achievements of the past, but with the strategic focus and organisation necessary to deal with the challenges facing the sector in the future in the context of the reform of the public sector as a whole”

The replacement of the Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards, the National Salmon Commission and the eight Fisheries Co-operative Societies with IFI is in keeping with the Government programme for the rationalisation of State bodies.

The Minister observed “By contrast with the previous situation, where there were over 150 board members overseeing the management of the sector, in establishing IFI, I have put in place a small focused nine member board, which will be better able to adopt a much needed high level approach to strategic issues. It will also provide effective and efficient stewardship of IFI.”

Minister Lenihan emphasised “There are no additional Exchequer costs associated with the establishment of IFI. On the contrary, I am eliminating multiple agencies, creating a tight focused board, and in line with the McCarthy report recommendation, IFI will be charged with delivering its tasks with an already reduced budget.”

With in excess of 70,000 km of rivers and streams and 144,480 hectares of lakes, over 400 staff are currently employed by the fisheries boards in managing and protecting this resource. The staffing needs of the new structure will be met through existing resources and, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to optimise the use of resources, there will be no increase in the overall staff numbers in the inland fisheries service.

The Minister said “From the outset IFI will have a clear focus on efficiency and value for money and an obligation to identify areas where there is potential for additional savings. This will be achieved though the better use of existing resources and opportunities to eliminate duplication by reason of the replacement of the 8 Boards previously involved in the management of our fisheries resource with a single national authority.”

The Minister stated that it would be difficult to quantify at this early juncture the anticipated savings for the establishment of the national authority at present as they will occur over time but it is expected that costs will be reduced and savings will be delivered. The budget for the sector for 2010 has already been reduced by over €2 million.

There has been a significant change in the approach in which the national fisheries resource is managed. This recognises the complex interplay of habitats and species, and ecological biodiversity and the further changes that are expected. The establishment of IFI will enhance the State’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to these challenges.

The Minister stated “I am determined that every opportunity must be availed of to effect economies and attain efficiencies from within the system to deliver further value for money against the significant Exchequer investment in this resource. That said I am also equally determined to safeguard the inland fisheries resource in the face of the very significant challenges it faces.”

The Minister again expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment to our inland fisheries resources shown by all of those who served on the former Fisheries Boards and said he was confident that they will continue to contribute to the management and development of the sector in the future in the national interest.

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Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Launches the "Shannon Salmon Restoration Plan"

27^th May 2010

Clarion Hotel, Limerick 

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board today launched Shannon Salmon Restoration Plan at its conference Shannon Waters – A Brighter Future in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick.  This Plan is ambitious and sets out a road map for the restoration of sustainable wild salmon population throughout the Shannon catchment by addressing fish passage issues, habitat restoration and water quality concerns. It has been developed over several years and sets out a series of concrete initiatives which together seek in the short and medium term to achieve the Board’s objective of restoring wild salmon. This launch follows an eighteen month consultative period where the Draft Plan was discussed with all stakeholders. 

Launching the plan, Mr. Michael Callaghan, Chairperson of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated that “I am delighted to formally launch the Shannon Salmon Restoration Plan which will seek to re-instate salmon into the upper River Shannon areas following decades of declines, associated with fish passage issues, habitat loss and water quality issues. The Board’s salmon sub-group have kept the salmon issues high on the agenda and I would like to praise the efforts of the scientific Technical Group who have consulted on a regular basis in drafting the various work plans under the different thematic areas.”

A number of project actions have already been initiated to address the various habitat and fish migration issues that threaten the conservation status of the Atlantic Salmon. Assessing obstacles to fish passage and looking at engineering solutions to aid fish migrations is a core objective of the Plan. This involves international experts in a review of best practice elsewhere. Hydro-acoustic surveys will be carried out to assess the passage of salmon past major dams and navigation weirs on the Shannon.  Habitat assessment and restoration works are currently being addressed through the Fisheries Catchment Management process and the Angling Conservation Stamp Scheme.  The awarding of EU LIFE funding through the River Mulkear Catchment Management framework will provide for the improved conservation status of Salmon for the lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation.  

Under the Atlantic ARC Project, funded under the EU Interreg programme, genetic typing of River Shannon salmon will be carried out. A review of current hatchery programmes will be carried out with a strategic approach to the selection of sites for the establishment of satellite populations of salmon in the upper Shannon catchment.  

In welcoming the launch of the Plan Mr. Eamon Cusack, Chief Executive Officer of The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board paid tribute to the many individuals and groups who had inputted into the Plan and stated  “the active engagement of the stakeholders in the catchment in the implementation of the Plan is vital for its success. This is an exciting opportunity to tackle complex fisheries issues in a sustained manner to restore this valuable resource.” 

The Conference focuses on a number of initiatives already underway to restore and enhance Irish fisheries, comparative approaches in the US and UK and the impact of invasive species, flooding and landslides. International and Irish speakers discuss the fish passage issues we have on the Shannon, which has been harnessed for hydro power since 1929.  The Board, in its 30^th year, look forward to finding improved solutions to fish passage through the Shannon Salmon Restoration Project and to addressing habitat and water quality issues that pose additional threats to salmonid production areas.   

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DOWNLOAD THE SHANNON SALMON RESTORATION PLAN

For further information, please contact Eamon Cusack on 087 2425017

Note to Editor: The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980 to conserve, develop, manage and promote the valuable inland fisheries and sea angling resources of the region in their own right and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of local communities.  It covers the sea angling and inland fisheries of the Shannon River catchment from the River Feale catchment in North Kerry and the rivers of County Clare flowing westwards to the Atlantic to its source in Co. Cavan.  The coastal boundaries stretch from Kerry Head to Hags Head in County Clare.  The Region covers a land area of 17,776 square kilometres which is serviced by 18 Local Authorities.

Nominees to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland announced

Dublin, 29th April 2010

Minister for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan today announced details of five of the nominees to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland. The Minister confirmed that he has asked these nominees to work with the CEO designate of Inland Fisheries Ireland to advance the preparations for the changeover to the new structures which are expected to be in place by 1 July.

“I am hopeful that the nominees to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland will assist in ensuring a smooth transition to the new organisation and that this will enable Inland Fisheries Ireland to quickly get into its stride once it is established”, said Minister Lenihan.

The nominees are:

Mr. Brendan O’Mahony – Chair
Ms. Lily Collinson
Mr. Andrew Duncan
Mr. Lal Faherty
Dr. Frances E. Lucy

Reflecting on the dedication and commitment shown by the outgoing members of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, the Minister said, “One must not forget the important work done by the existing boards over the past 30 years. There is no question as to the commitment and dedication which has been shown by the members of those boards during their tenure and they should be proud of the role they have played in protecting and developing this valuable resource of the State”.

In recognition of the need for and value of stakeholder participation in the sector, the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 provides for the establishment of a national inland fisheries forum which will facilitate those who wish to make a contribution to the future development of the resource. The Minister added “I hope that the expertise of former board members will be captured in the changeover to the new structures and that they will continue to play an important role in this area through involvement in the national inland fisheries forum”.

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Note to editors:

Interim Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland

The interim board of Inland Fisheries Ireland which will oversee the transition to the new structures has been appointed on a non statutory basis pending the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland on 1 July 2010 and comprises the following persons:-

Mr. Brendan O’Mahony will be Chairperson designate of Inland Fisheries Ireland. Mr. O’Mahony is a former Vice President of the Irish Farmers Association, a member of the North Western Regional Fisheries Board and has been involved in fish breeding in the Cong Salmon Hatchery.

Ms. Lily Collison, the founder and Managing Director of SQT Training Ltd, one of the largest private training providers in the manufacturing and services sector in Ireland which provides technical management training in areas such as environmental, project management, health and safety management and quality management.

Mr. Andrew Duncan, self-employed auctioneer completed a BSc degree in property studies in 2006 with a thesis on water quality in the Midlands. Mr. Duncan is vice-chairman of the Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association and captain of the Irish Fly-fishing team in 2008.

Mr. Lal Faherty, who is appointed on the nomination of the Minister for Community, Rural Gaeltacht Affairs, is the current chairman of the Western Regional Fisheries Board and national representative of the National Angling Representatives Association.

Dr. Frances E. Lucy, who is appointed on the nomination of the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is a member of the Department of Environmental Science at the Institute of Technology, Sligo.

Inland Fisheries Bill 2009

The Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 sets out the statutory basis for the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland, a new national inland fisheries body which will subsume the existing Central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Fisheries Boards, as well as the governance provisions by which it will be bound.

The Bill also consolidates and restates various provisions of existing fisheries legislation dealing with administrative and legal matters concerning inland fisheries.

A Salmon of a Lifetime on the Shannon at Plassey

Press Release dated March 23rd, 2010

On the morning of St Patrick’s Day, Limerick angler John O’ Connell hooked what would turn out to be a personal best – the biggest Salmon he had ever caught. The salmon was hooked on Peig’s Height which is just upstream of the Black Bridge on the River Shannon at Plassey.

With reel screaming, the mighty fish took off downstream in its first big heart stopping run. When nearing the bridge the fish turned into a snag in an attempt for freedom. The line went taut with little movement. Was the fish gone? Was the line snagged but fish still there? Panic nearly set in. It was soon established that swift action was required and there was great commotion amongst other anglers, all trying to help. When Dan O Neill’s boat arrived John jumped aboard. More anglers on the shore ran and got the required implement and the line was eventually freed. After another ten minutes of battle, the fish was brought to the surface where it was ably netted by Stephen Slattery. Shouts of "it’s only a pike rang out" , but by the time the boat reached the shore at the Black Bridge, to everyone’s amazement it was discovered the true extent of the catch, a huge Salmon and what a magnificent fish it was.

It had taken almost 40 minutes to land the great fish. John’s great achievement was truly a fish of a lifetime. John said “these are the days that make up for all those blanks”. The story will no doubt be embellished with time and the heart thumping excitement recounted over many years to come. The landing was assisted by Dan O’Neill, Stephen Slattery, Michael Brommell and Kevin Hannan. The fish was weighed in at 22lbs and at present is at a taxidermist being prepared for mounting.

Salmon fishing on the River Shannon is open on a catch and release basis from O Brien’s Bridge to Thomond Bridge, Limerick. All wild fish must be returned to the water alive. The fish caught by John was a ranched salmon which means that it originated from the ESB hatchery in Parteen, where it would have been grown to appox 1 year old and released as a smolt. These ranched fish are visually distinguished as their adipose fin is removed/clipped. Ranched fish can be kept by anglers subject to the applicable national salmon bag limits.

There is a ban on the sale of rod caught salmon, as part of the conservation measures in place. The co-operation of anglers with all such conservation measures is vital to ensuring that the fishery remains open. Eamon Cusack CEO of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board stated that “salmon stocks are under threat from a variety of factors with survival at sea now becoming a major issue. To see such large salmon returning, after having have spent approximately two years feeding at sea, is an exciting beginning to the 2010 season. I wish all anglers a good season this year and look forward to their continued co-operation with conservation measures.”

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Photograph attached shows John O Connell with his 22lb salmon caught at Peigs’ Height on the River Shannon, Plassey.

For further information, please contact Eamon Cusack at 061 300 238.
Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road, Limerick


Note to Editor:

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980 to conserve, develop, manage and promote the valuable inland fisheries and sea angling resources of the region in their own right and in a sustainable manner for the benefit of local communities. It covers the sea angling and inland fisheries of the Shannon River catchment from the River Feale catchment in North Kerry and the rivers of County Clare flowing westwards to the Atlantic to its source in Co. Cavan. The coastal boundaries stretch from Kerry Head to Hags Head in County Clare. The Region covers a land area of 17,776 square kilometres which is serviced by 18 Local Authorities.
 

Minister Lenihan T.D. approves regulations and Bye Laws For management of the Wild Salmon Fishery in 2010

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