Bord Iascaigh Réigiúnach an Oirthir
Press Release 25th June 2009
The River Glyde will remain closed to all forms of angling for both Salmon and Sea Trout for the remainder of the 2009 season. Following the recent revisiting of scientific advice, the standing scientific committee of the National Salmon Commission agreed that this river should remain closed as the salmon stocks are unsustainable at present to allow fishing.
In 2006 a series of conservation measures were introduced nationally in order to combat the decline in salmon numbers. The interceptory mixed stock fishery for salmon ceased throughout Ireland and netsmen who availed of the Hardship Scheme were duly compensated for their loss of the salmon fishery. At the peak of salmon production in the 1970’s, approximately 3,000 salmon were caught commercially in Dundalk waters, the Dee and Glyde rivers making a large contribution towards this catch. This declined to an all time low in 2006 when only 225 were caught in the entire Dundalk bay area.
Consequently the Dee and Glyde rivers remain closed for commercial and recreational salmon fishing until such time as salmon stocks recover sufficiently to sustain a catchable quota. Other conservations measures in place are to improve nursery productivity and protect adult stocks during upstream migration and spawning time. These are being carried out by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board in partnership with the Office of Public Works and the Dee & Glyde Angling Association.
It is hoped that these measures will preserve our stock of Atlantic salmon, which are not only a valuable resource for our economy, but also an important part of our natural heritage as salmon and trout have been running our rivers since the last ice age. Anglers also need to continue to be vigilant to report any illegal fishing incidences to the Board.
Josie Mahon,
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board,
15A Main Street, Blackrock,
Co. Dublin.
Tel: 01 278 7022 / 087 6538202
email: josie.mahon@erfb.ie
Website: www.fishingireland.net Email: info@erfb.ie
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory authority whose function is to conserve, develop, protect, manage and promote the inland fisheries and sea angling resources within its jurisdiction. The Region extends from the border in Northern Ireland to South of the Wexford coast and includes all catchments which enter the sea between these boundaries. For further information, please visit www.fishingireland.net