Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is carrying out a new survey about less well-known fish species. Some migratory fish species like salmon, and lesser-known species such as shad and the extremely rare sturgeon amongst others, are in decline in many European countries. These species spend much of their lifecycle at sea and periods in riverine habitats. As part of the multinational European project, DiadES, IFI and other project partners are assessing the recreational fishing interest in several of these species including shad, thin-lipped mullet, smelt, flounder and others (DIADES project video, Presentation Video ). This online survey will also record the economic benefits that the species support.
Dr William Roche, Senior Research Officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: ‘We are urging anglers who fish for these species to participate in this online survey as it will help us get a more comprehensive view of these less common species in Irish waters. In this way we can contribute to providing better information to inform future policy and management of these species, and the economic, social and cultural activities associated with them.’
Future predictions suggest that some of these species will see northward and southward changes in distribution under climate change scenarios. This may increase or decrease their availability to recreational fishing and the economic benefits they bring to businesses in local areas, as well as the enjoyment and associated health and social benefits for fishers.
If you would like to participate in the study you can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DiadES_IRL. It has questions about your fish catching activities and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is very much appreciated as this study relies on your knowledge and experience as a ‘citizen scientist’ angler/fisher. In Ireland the DiadES case study area is the Suir, Nore, Barrow Rivers and the Waterford Harbour catchment but IFI is also seeking your survey information on the named fish species generally within Ireland.
For more information on Inland Fisheries Ireland visit: https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/.
ENDS