Salmon Watch Ireland would like draw your attention to the recently published document from the Technical Expert Group on Salmon. We will answer any questions that you may have or request clarification from TEGOS on aspects that you are concerned with.
The links to the reports are listed here:
The Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS) advises that in 2021:
48 rivers have an advised harvestable surplus as they are exceeding their
conservation limits (CLs).
A further 32 rivers, may be opened on a catch and release only basis, subject
to IFI management criteria based on having a high probability of achieving
50% of their conservation limit (CL) or exceeding the management qualifying
fry threshold of ≥15 fry (0+) per 5 minute electrofishing (multiple site catchment
average).
In addition 64 rivers are (a) failing to meet 50% of their CL or (b) recent data to
determine their CL attainment status are lacking. Where there is a lack of
data, or where catchment-wide electro-fishing surveys indicate juvenile
abundance below the fry threshold, the TEGOS assumes that these rivers are
failing to meet CL.
There are 16 rivers for which there are significant fisheries on the MSW (spring salmon)
component of the stock and a separate assessment is made. Of these:
11 have an advised harvestable surplus as they are exceeding their CL.
5 rivers may be opened on a catch and release-only basis subject to IFI
management criteria as they have a high probability of achieving 50% of their
CL or exceed the minimum mean fry threshold (≥15 fry) in catchment-wide
electro-fishing.
There are currently 40 rivers or river tributaries of the 144 salmon rivers assessed in
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) where salmon have a qualifying interest under
the EU Habitats Directive. Of these, only 20 are above their CL.
