Convictions, fines and boat forfeiture for illegal fishing in Dundalk

Convictions, fines and boat forfeiture for illegal fishing in Dundalk

Two men in Dundalk have been convicted of illegally killing pike and have been ordered to pay fines following prosecutions taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Officers, who had been on routine fisheries patrol in the area, outlined the facts of the case to the court of how two men had been observed in the act of illegal fishing on Drumcah Lough, taking and killing pike.

As a statutory consequence of the conviction for use of a boat contrary to Section 285 (A)(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the boat that was seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland is now automatically forfeited.

Evidence in relation to the offence was given before Judge Eirinn McKiernan and breaches of Fisheries legislation occurred on Sunday, October 11th last year, in the townland of Annagh, close to the Louth and Monaghan border.

According to Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, there was an increase in illegal fishing activity recorded by its Officers around the country last year.

The state agency initiated 119 prosecutions for fisheries-related offences in 2020, compared with 67 prosecutions in 2019. It also seized 1,287 illegal fishing items last year, up from 788 items the year before.

Dr. Greg Forde, Head of Operations with Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Safeguarding Ireland’s fisheries resources is a round-the-clock job, involving planned day patrols, covert night patrols and intelligence-led surveillance operations. Despite the fact that there was a global pandemic and travel restrictions in place for the public for much of the year, our teams all over the country recorded a higher level of illegal fishing activity last year, compared with 2019.”

To report suspicions of illegal fishing, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

September 22, 2021

Inland Fisheries Ireland announces sponsorship for 38 angling initiatives and events

Inland Fisheries Ireland announces sponsorship for 38 angling initiatives and events

  • Range of coaching and juvenile events aimed at increasing participation in angling, which well over 320,000 Irish adults already enjoy
  • Programmes to promote mental health, initiatives to encourage more women to try angling and International Angling Competitions among successful applicants

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency with responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats and promotion of angling, has announced funding for 38 projects under its annual Sponsorship Programme. The programme supports novice or ‘beginner’ anglers and the development of sustainable angling tourism in Ireland, which could grow in popularity, particularly in rural and peripheral areas.

According to a recent survey by Ipsos MRBI, over 327,000 adults in Ireland consider themselves an angler. Now, more than ever, people are discovering the positive effects angling has on mental health and wellbeing, the state agency has said. In another survey, undertaken in 2021 by Amárach Research, some 18% of adults that had never been fishing before said that they are “likely” to try angling in the future.

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme received proposals from community groups, clubs, associations and other bodies earlier in the year and a total of €17,450 has now been allocated to 38 projects, including:

  • Fishing programme to promote mental health (North Louth)

The HSE adult mental health services in Dundalk together with the Ladywell Angling Club are developing a fishing programme to promote mental health and wellbeing for those in the North Louth area.

  • Introduction to fly-fishing for women (Limerick)

The Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association and the Trout Angling Federation of Ireland are hosting a one-day introduction to fly-fishing, aimed specifically at women. The course will be held on Bleach Lough in Limerick, as an introductory day for novice women anglers.

  • All Ireland Junior U16 & U21 Boat Competition (Donegal)

The Irish Federation of Sea Angling hosted a boat angling competition for the All-Ireland Junior and Under 21s on Lough Swilly in Donegal earlier this month.

  • ‘Let’s Start Fishing’ event (Galway)

Connacht Predator Anglers and the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland are hosting a novice day event on Lough Corrib in Galway, to introduce women and young people to the basics of angling.

Making the announcement today, Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “More than 320,000 adults in Ireland already enjoy angling and 18% of those who haven’t tried it before are likely to try it in the future. This demonstrates that there’s significant potential for sustainable angling in this country, which could bring many health and economic benefits.”

She added: “Through Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme, we want to encourage people to try angling sustainably and we also want to encourage more beginners, especially girls and women into the sport. The projects that are being supported this year showcase a wide appeal for angling events, coaching and competitions. These 38 projects and initiatives will create a greater awareness of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and the importance of conserving and protecting these precious resources.”

The full list of events and initiatives receiving support under the 2021 Sponsorship Programme can be seen at www.fisheriesireland.ie

ENDS

Full listing of awarded projects is available here: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/sponsorship-programme.html#2021-awardees

September 1, 2021

Over €770,000 Awarded to 17 Projects to Support Fisheries Conservation Across Ireland

Over €770,000 Awarded to 17 Projects to Support Fisheries Conservation Across Ireland

Minister Ryan welcomes funding announcement for conservation projects in Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency with responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, is awarding funding to 17 projects in 11 counties under the ‘Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021’.

Under two separate funds, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund and the Midland Fisheries Fund, eligible angling clubs, commercial fishermen and fishery owners were invited to apply for financial assistance to support fisheries conservation projects in their local areas.

€774,000 in funding for 17 projects has been approved so far this year, going to projects based in Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Wexford, Westmeath and Wicklow. Examples include:

  • construction of rock ramp passageways to make it easier for fish to migrate upstream and downstream of impassable weirs
  • improvements to water quality by installing fences to stop livestock from entering the river and providing water pumps and troughs for livestock to minimise agricultural impacts
  • encouraging wild river regeneration by planting native Irish trees and shrubs along riverbanks in combination with fencing
  • enhancement of spawning and nursery habitats for salmon and sea trout
  • research to inform and improve national management decisions around sea trout
  • carrying out catchment-focused feasibility studies, habitat management plans, aquatic invasive species plans and environmental assessments to improve river habitats and species
  • soft engineering works to help regenerate the land and water adjacent to rivers

The announcement has been welcomed by Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. The Minister said: “The Habitats and Conservation Scheme 2021 is a great example of proactive conservation and protection of habitats. The scheme will support angling clubs, commercial fishermen and fishery owners in improving habitats, water quality and fish passage at a local grassroots level. The works and studies supported by the scheme will also result in wider benefits for the environment.”

Since 2016, Inland Fisheries Ireland has made more than €4 million available through its various funding schemes, including the two 2021 funds. Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development with Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Protecting and conserving fish species, like Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout, is critical to the overall health of our eco-system. Threats like water pollution, climate change and invasive species are all having a damaging impact. Under the Habitats and Conservation Scheme, made possible through fishing licence income, groups all over the country will be working on projects and measures that benefit the conservation of salmon, sea trout and their freshwater habitats.”

Financial assistance under the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF total of €744,326) is generated by the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences and commercial fishing licences in Ireland. The Midlands Fisheries Fund (MFF total of €29,778) is financed through contributions from permit income, received through the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area. To be eligible, applicants to the SSTRCPF must have purchased a valid salmon and sea trout angling licence or a commercial fishing licence or for the MFF, hold a current Midlands Fisheries Group permit.

Further allocations of funding may be announced later in the year and the full list of projects can be seen at  www.fisheriesireland.ie

August 19, 2021

Imprisonment and fines following convictions for illegal netting of salmon on River Barrow

Imprisonment and fines following convictions for illegal netting of salmon on River Barrow

A man received a sentence of five months’ imprisonment, a €2000 fine and ordered to pay €1245 in court costs, following a prosecution taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland at Kilkenny District Court on Monday, 12th July 2021.

Also in Kilkenny District Court on the same date, another man received a sentence of three months’ imprisonment, a €1500 fine and was ordered to pay €1245 in court costs following a prosecution taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Officers outlined the facts of the case to the court of how both men had been observed in the act of illegal netting on the River Barrow, attempting to capture salmon.
As a statutory consequence of the conviction for use of a boat contrary to Section 285 (A)(1) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, the boat that was seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland is now automatically forfeited.
The breaches of Fisheries legislation occurred on the 21st of July 2020 on the River Barrow, in the townland of Bauck, Co. Carlow/Kilconnelly, Co. Kilkenny.

Evidence in relation to the offence was given before Judge Brian O’Shea, sitting at Kilkenny District Court.  Judge O’Shea proceeded to convict the defendants on all charges under Section 96, 97, 65 and 285A of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959.  This case has been appealed to the Circuit Court.

Meanwhile, Inland Fisheries Ireland has confirmed that a total of 250 illegal fishing nets, measuring 13,158 metres in total, were among the 1,287 items seized by the agency on its patrols and inspections in 2020.

Other items seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland included boats, spear guns, hand lines, traps, illegally caught fish and stroke hauls which are large-weighted hooks used to impale a fish.
To report suspicions of illegal fishing, or sightings of illegal nets, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

August 4, 2021

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Fish under “distress” during current heatwave

Appeal to report sightings of ‘fish under distress’, caused by soaring temperatures and low water levels across the country

Anglers in Ireland asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ during current heatwave

With high temperature warnings in place throughout the country, Inland Fisheries Ireland is appealing to anglers, the farming community and the general public to report any sightings of fish under distress, which may be caused by the extreme heat combined with low water levels.

Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, is concerned that many rivers may be in drought conditions because of the current heatwave.

As a result, anglers are being asked to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’ while high temperature warnings from Met Éireann are in place, as these nets may cause unintentional distress to fish. In addition, anglers that practice ‘catch and release’ fishing are asked not to fish during the heatwave where possible, as this may put undue pressure on fish stocks.

Dr Gregory Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “It’s a sad reality that low water levels and high water temperatures can lead to fish kills, especially as there is less oxygen in the water to allow fish to breathe.  Once the water temperature exceeds 20 degrees centigrade, salmon and trout suffer and are distressed. At present, temperatures are dangerously high and fish kills may be unavoidable. In Lough Sheelin in County Cavan for example, the water temperature recorded by Inland Fisheries Ireland was over 26 degrees centigrade this week. In some instances, moving fish in and out of the water may also prove too stressful.  That’s why we’re asking anglers practicing catch and release fishing to consider taking a break from fishing while the high temperature warnings are in place. We’re also asking anglers to voluntarily stop using ‘keep nets’, until conditions become more favourable.”

Forde added: “Inland Fisheries Ireland staff are continuously monitoring water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, for any signs of fish under distress in shallow water or drying out rivers and streams. We’re encouraging the public to report any sightings of fish under distress to our 24 hour confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24 so we can respond as quickly as possible to help rescue or relocate these fish.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland is supporting Irish Water’s appeal to reduce water usage as much as possible. As water source levels are dropping, the state agency is reminding landowners that abstraction of water from rivers and lakes should be carried out in a sustainable manner to ensure sufficient levels are available for other water users and to protect the aquatic habitat.

It is also timely to remind all those using pesticides that these should be used only as a last resort, always in accordance with product instructions and always respecting statutory ‘no use’ zones, being mindful at all times of proximity to water bodies such as ditches, streams, ponds, rivers, lakes and springs. Even a very small amount of pesticide can be highly toxic to the aquatic environment, Inland Fisheries Ireland has said.

To report sightings of fish under distress or fish kills, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

ENDS

July 23, 2021

Illegal fishing nets seized last year could line runway at Dublin Airport five times

Illegal fishing nets seized last year could line runway at Dublin Airport five times

Spear guns, traps and 13km of illegal nets among 1,200 items seized last year

Public thanked for helping to protect fisheries by reporting incidents of illegal fishing as recent conviction costs Kerry man over €1600 in fines and court fees

Inland Fisheries Ireland, the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats, has revealed that over 13 kilometres of illegal nets were seized by its protection officers and inspectors around the country last year.

250 illegal fishing nets, measuring 13,158 metres in total, were among the 1,287 items seized by the agency on its patrols and inspections in 2020. Other items seized by Inland Fisheries Ireland included spear guns, hand lines, traps, illegally caught fish and stroke hauls which are large-weighted hooks used to impale a fish.

Unless licenced, it is illegal to use a net for catching fish in freshwater due to the ecological damage they cause to fish populations and habitats, such as Wild Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout and Sea Bass. Due to the severity of the offence and the environmental impact caused by illegal fishing, Inland Fisheries Ireland has a policy of bringing cases involving illegal nets directly to court. Those convicted can face fines and even prison sentences.

Dr Greg Forde, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “In the course of our inspections and patrols last year, Inland Fisheries Ireland seized over 1,200 items, including 13 kilometres of illegal fishing nets from poachers. To put that figure into perspective, that’s enough illegal netting to line the runway at Dublin Airport five times over.”

He added: “Illegal fishing has a detrimental effect on our fish population, doing untold damage to this precious resource and in particular to Wild Atlantic Salmon stocks at this time of year. Thanks to the public’s help in reporting incidences of illegal fishing, we’re able to better protect and conserve fisheries for future generations and prevent loss of fish to poaching.”

A recent court case involving the use of an illegal net for fishing came before Judge David Waters at Listowel District Court on July 1st this year. Tom Allen, with an address of Lixnaw, Co. Kerry, was convicted under Section 96 of the Fisheries Acts 1959 – 2017 on a charge of possession of a net along the River Brick in 2020. Mr. Allen was fined €700 and was also ordered to pay €947 in court costs.

Assistant Inspector at Inland Fisheries Ireland, Darren Halpin, gave evidence in court, outlining how he was responding to a report from a member of the public, which led to the seizure of the illegal net.

In another court case involving the seizure of an illegal net, Donal Healy of Castletownbere in County Cork was convicted in October 2020 on two counts of illegal fishing and on one count of obstructing Inland Fisheries Ireland officers. Mr. Healy was fined €2,000 for illegal fishing, including possession of an illegal salmon drift net, a further €2,000 for obstructing Fisheries Officers and ordered to pay €500 in costs.

To report suspicions of illegal fishing, or sightings of illegal nets, members of the public are encouraged to call Inland Fisheries Ireland’s confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24, which is open 24 hours a day.

ENDS

July 21, 2021

Inland Fisheries Ireland issues Pacific pink salmon alert

Inland Fisheries Ireland issues Pacific pink salmon alert

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state agency responsible for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish and habitats,  has issued an alert, asking the angling community and general public to report any sightings of Pacific pink salmon.

Also known as ‘humpback’ salmon, pink salmon were very rare in Irish waters until 2017 and are believed to have originated from stocking programmes in Russia. Scientists at Inland Fisheries Ireland are concerned that if there are large numbers of the non-native species in Irish rivers, this may have negative impacts on Ireland’s salmon and trout populations in the future.

Dr. Paddy Gargan with Inland Fisheries Ireland explains: “If Pacific pink salmon become established in Irish rivers, they will be competing with Irish salmon and trout for food and space. Pink salmon also display aggressive behaviour towards native fish and a large invasion of pink salmon could push out Atlantic salmon and trout from holding pools into smaller channels.”

 Inland Fisheries Ireland has published a guide on its website to help the public identify a Pacific pink salmon, which has large oval black spots on its tail. Males also develop a pronounced ‘humpback’.

Appealing for help from the angling community and general public, Dr. Gargan added:  “There is only limited information currently available to assess the threat from Pacific pink salmon, so we are asking the angling community and general public to report any sightings to Inland Fisheries Ireland by telephoning our 24 hour confidential hotline on 1890 34 74 24.”

The first reported catch of a Pacific pink salmon in Ireland this year was in the Ridge Pool, Moy Fishery (Co. Mayo) on 27th June 2021. Anglers across the country are also being asked to report any further catches of Pacific pink salmon to Inland Fisheries Ireland and to assist with research efforts by following these steps:

  • Keep the Pacific pink salmon and do not release it back into the water, even in rivers that are only open for ‘catch and release’ angling.
  • Record the date and location of capture, and the length and weight of the fish.
  • Take a photograph of the fish and keep a copy of the image.
  • Tag the fish and please report it to Inland Fisheries Ireland as soon as possible by telephoning 1890 34 74 24. Inland Fisheries Ireland will arrange collection of Pacific pink salmon catches for further analysis and will also promptly issue replacement tags to anglers.

Further information about the conservation and research work of Inland Fisheries Ireland can be found at www.fisheriesireland.ie

ENDS

For media information:

Sarah Bohan/ Sadhbh O’Neill

Communications

Inland Fisheries Ireland

E: sarah.bohan@fisheriesireland.ie/ sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie

T: 087 6539936 / 087 1019998

July 6, 2021

New Study Reveals the Migration Route of Atlantic Salmon at Sea

New Study Reveals the Migration Route of Atlantic Salmon at Sea

Inland Fisheries Ireland involved in major international research study, tracking salmon from Barrow, Nore, Suir and Blackwater Rivers

A new study published in the NATURE Journal this month, Scientific Reports, reveals the marine migration route of Atlantic salmon in the North Atlantic, including Irish salmon.

The study, led by the Arctic University of Norway, involved a cooperative research study by ten Universities and Institutions across Europe, including Inland Fisheries Ireland. The study involved tagging 204 salmon kelts with satellite tags from seven European countries and the east coast of North America, including salmon from the Barrow, Nore, Suir and Blackwater Rivers in Ireland, and tracked them during their oceanic migration.

Salmon travelled to oceanic fronts, but with specific patterns. Norwegian and Danish salmon rapidly migrate north and north-west toward the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Svalbard. In contrast, Irish salmon migrated primarily westward towards South and East Greenland. Despite the variation in migration patterns among populations, most individual salmon migrated to polar ocean frontal areas.

One of the authors of the study, Dr Paddy Gargan of Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “As we know, water temperatures have increased in the north Atlantic over the last few decades. This new research is suggesting that this type of climate change may have greater impact on salmon populations originating further south, like Ireland. This is because distances and time required to travel to feeding areas will increase if the boundary between Atlantic and Arctic waters move northward because of ocean warming.”

The study found that salmon released further south tended to cover longer migration distances, with a straight-line distance tracked as far as 2,400 km for one salmon tagged from River Suir in Ireland. Tagged salmon spent 80% of their time foraging at the surface and performed occasional dives of up to 870m.

Overall, populations closest in proximity tended to converge in their oceanic feeding area, but taken together the salmon populations exploit a very large part of the ocean. Given that Atlantic salmon from different geographic locations feed in distinct areas at sea, they experience different temperature regimes. For example, Irish salmon experienced much warmer temperatures, ranging from 5 to 16°C, than Norwegian and Danish salmon which experienced temperatures ranging from 0 to 11°C. These differences not only contribute to variation in growth and survival across populations, but also are likely to affect Atlantic salmon populations differently with changing climate.

Southernmost populations, like those of Ireland, are more at risk than northernmost populations as migration distances are likely to become longer, or more variable, thereby decreasing feeding time, with important consequences for the marine survival and productivity of different populations.

Taken together, these findings suggest that a common marine factor responsible for the decline in Atlantic salmon is unlikely. Importantly, this means conservation efforts should be focused locally, such as during the freshwater phase.

Dr Cathal Gallagher is the Head of Research with Inland Fisheries Ireland and he explains why the state agency was keen to support the study, saying: “Although the Atlantic salmon is one of the world’s most studied fish, detailed knowledge of its migration route at sea has been limited until now. This important large-scale study highlights the vulnerability of salmon populations to climate change and emphasises the need for continued conservation, to protect Atlantic salmon and its habitats.”

The full study, ‘Redefining the oceanic distribution of Atlantic salmon,’ can be found at Nature.com at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91137-y

ENDS

June 17, 2021

Inland Fisheries Launch Sponsorship Programme

Inland Fisheries Launch Sponsorship Programme

Inland Fisheries Ireland opens 2021 Sponsorship Programme

  • Initiatives which support novice anglers and sustainable angling tourism are “key priorities” for funding in 2021
  • Angling clubs, groups and associations all over Ireland invited to apply for funding ahead of Friday, 25th of June 2021 deadline

Inland Fisheries Ireland is launching its Sponsorship Programme for 2021 this week and is open for applications at 9am this Friday, 11th of June from organisers of eligible angling events and initiatives nationwide.

The programme, which is one of the main funding mechanisms of Inland Fisheries Ireland, awarded funding to 87 angling events and initiatives across the country during 2019, resulting in an investment of €30,000 to support novice anglers and angling tourism in Ireland.

Due to public health guidelines around the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sponsorship Programme didn’t go ahead in 2020 but in 2019, it supported 45 angling competitions to showcase Ireland’s angling resource and contribution to local economies. Over 800 anglers travelled from outside Ireland to participate in these competitions, such as the Lough Ree International Pike Classic and International Coarse Fishing Festivals (Longford/Roscommon), the Arvagh International Coarse Fishing Festival (Cavan) and the Irish Winter Shore Angling Festival (Wexford).

A total of 37 Coaching and Juvenile events, aimed at novice and young anglers with a view to increasing participation in the sport, along with five public awareness events and angling-related initiatives were supported in 2019. In total, over 600 juvenile and novice anglers participated in these initiatives, which included a Juvenile Angling competition held by Killaloe Ballina and District Anglers (Offaly/Tipperary), Easter and Summer Angling Camps for Children organised by the Trout Angling Federation of Ireland (Cork) and a Youth Initiative Day- Ulster organised by the Irish Federation of Sea Angling (Donegal).

Eligible events and categories in the 2021 Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Programme are as follows:

  • Large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Ireland’s angling resources and contribution to local economies, supporting jobs and businesses (maximum sponsorship available is €3,000 per event).
  • Novice angler events and training courses which increase participation in angling including funding of transport hire for participants to facilitate attendance at novice angler events. Minimum of 20 novice angler participants required (maximum sponsorship available is €500 per event or course).
  • Information dissemination or initiatives to promote fisheries awareness, conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource; promotion of angling as a key Irish tourism activity e.g. Production of high quality angling promotional videos, seminars, coaching, training or workshops (maximum sponsorship available is €1,000 per event).
  • Juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad (maximum sponsorship available is €500 per team).

Initiatives which support novice anglers and sustainable angling tourism are “key priorities” for funding in 2021, according to Suzanne Campion the Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland. Launching the programme, she said: “We are delighted to make financial support available in 2021 to support key priority projects and events that will support novice and junior anglers and help grow sustainable angling tourism here in Ireland. The past year has shown us all how important engaging in outdoor activities has been for people’s physical and mental wellbeing and the Sponsorship Programme has a focus on encouraging new and novice anglers to enjoy the outdoors more by participating in angling in a sustainable manner. In addition to supporting those who are holding a rod for the first time, we also have a unique opportunity to inform novice anglers about conservation and protection of our precious wild fisheries. As the deadline to apply under the Sponsorship Programme is Friday, 25th of June we are encouraging all angling clubs, groups and associations to get in touch with us in Inland Fisheries Ireland and apply for funding through the programme.”

Applications for funding from the Sponsorship Programme are now invited from angling clubs, associations or any local group organising an angling initiative. The programme will remain open for funding applications until the 25th of June 2021 with applications for equipment, staff support and biosecurity assistance available throughout the year.

The application process opens at 9am this Friday, 11th of June. To find out more and to apply, visit https://ifi.smartsimple.ie/s_Login.jsp. Applicants will have to register to apply or if they are already registered, just log in and fill in the application form.  Awards will be subject to budget availability and adherence to the programme requirements.

ENDS

Photo captions

Pictured are junior anglers from Newport Sea Angling Club in County Mayo. The youth angling initiative received funding under the Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Programme and the 2021 Programme is now open for applications until June 25th with more info at https://ifi.smartsimple.ie/s_Login.jsp.
About Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fisheriesireland.ie)

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.

June 10, 2021

Call for Youths to learn fishing with the Dublin Angling Initiative

Call for Youths to learn fishing with the Dublin Angling Initiative

Tuesday, 8th of June 2021: Dublin Angling Initiative, an education and outreach programme run by Inland Fisheries Ireland, is launching its programme for 2021. The initiative is calling on youth clubs, community groups and schools in the Greater Dublin Area to take part in it’s fishing programme. The Dublin Angling Initiative aims to promote, develop and improve angling among children and young people. In 2021 IFI are looking for interested parties for the Summer, Autumn and Winter months to take part in the programme.

In 2019, over 400 children and young people took part in the fishing programme which caters for anyone interested in angling, from the complete novice to the more advanced angler with exposure given to each of the different types of fishing. The initiative offers children and young people an opportunity to take fishing lessons, participate in fishing trips and enjoy family fishing days.

In addition to practical fishing exercises, we also offer fishing presentations and tours providing an insight into fish, their habitat, conservation measures and education regarding local fishing areas. Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Dublin Angling Initiative has seen thousands of young people participate over the past 20 years resulting in the establishment of many new fishing clubs.

Brian Beckett, Inland Fisheries Ireland Director of the Eastern River Basin District said: “We are calling on youth clubs, community groups as well as national and secondary schools who would like to try out a new hobby. Fishing is a pastime which can be enjoyed at any age or ability. The Dublin Angling initiative introduces young people to the pursuit, giving access to fishing equipment, guidance around how and where to fish and builds awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving our fisheries resource and the broader aquatic environment. Along with learning a new skill there are the additional health and wellbeing benefits of taking part in an outdoor activity and disconnecting from the online world. We are opening our call for youth clubs to book in for this year to get an opportunity to take part in this unique initiative.”

The 2021 Dublin Angling Initiative will include coarse, sea and game angling along with educational trips, where Covid-19 public health guidelines allow. Interested groups should contact by email outreach@fisheriesireland.ie or apply here: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Education-Outreach/dai.html#contact. For more information, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.

ENDS

About Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.

June 9, 2021