January 8th, 2010
On Tuesday Christmas week fisheries officers from the Southern Regional Fisheries Board were on patrol on the River Tay near Stradbally, Co Waterford. Normally at this time of year adult salmon have returned from the sea to spawn in the river and fisheries officers count the numbers of spawning beds to determine the extent of spawning on the river. Spawning normally extends all the way up the river Tay to beyond Leamybrien. This year however the officers noticed that the spawning numbers were very poor and on closer inspection discovered a large salmon net set across the river, downstream of Leamybrien. The net was being actively used and an 8lb female salmon was entangled in the net. Officers released the fish from the net alive and after removing the illegal fishing apparatus, surveyed the area upstream to determine its impact. Normally at this time of year over twenty redds or spawning beds would be counted in the area upstream of where the net was fishing. However no redds were discovered upstream of the net and it is evident that the net has had a significant impact. Brian Sheerin, CEO of the Southern Regional Fisheries Board stated “illegal fishing is a very serious problem, particularly at this time of year when the fish are spawning. The River Tay salmon numbers are already at an all time low and measures have introduced since 2006 to ban salmon angling until stocks recover. Illegal fishing activities, like netting, undo any of the good work that the Fisheries Board, anglers and conservationists have been doing to bring back stocks and ultimately it is the local community and tourist economy that suffer if the salmon stocks disappear. We appeal to anyone offered wild salmon for sale to desist from buying them and report anyone indulging in this illegal activity. We would also like to thank all the commercial fishermen and anglers who have cooperated in the spirit of the salmon conservation measures so that future generations will be able to appreciate this iconic fish in Co. Waterford”
For further information please contact Brian Sheerin, CEO, Southern Regional Fisheries Board.
(052)6180055 or enquires@srfb.ie