Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Inland Fisheries Stocks

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Ceisteanna (545)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

545. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the objectives of the recently launched fish stock management plan for the Owenriff catchment; the way in which the objectives will be achieved; and the benefits for brown trout fishing on Lough Corrib. [7286/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are commencing fish stock management operations on the Owenriff catchment, near Oughterard, Co. Galway to protect and restore trout stocks which have been impacted by recent introductions of pike to the catchment.

The Owenriff catchment is one of the most important spawning and nursery tributaries of Lough Corrib, our most renowned wild trout fishery. Previous scientific studies have shown it contributed 15% of the wild trout found in Lough Corrib, and each year thousands of wild trout and salmon migrate upstream into the Owenriff to spawn. I am committed to protecting and rehabilitating the system and welcome IFI’s stock management Plan which I have asked to be implemented immediately.

Inland Fisheries Ireland will be commencing a focussed and intensive effort aimed at reducing the numbers of pike in the Owenriff catchment over the coming year. The project will reduce pike numbers to a level where they are not impacting significantly on salmonid stocks. It is expected that on going maintenance operations will be required in future years to help maintain the trout population.

In tandem with the stock management plan, Inland Fisheries Ireland is also preparing an Owenriff Fish Population Rehabilitation Plan, which aims to ensure trout stocks and habitat are restored and protected thereby providing the best opportunities for a successful trout population.  Details of this plan will be available shortly. 

Barr
Roinn