-
Salmon Watch Ireland notes the recent online discussions regarding the by catch of salmon by industrial scale pelagic fisheries. We certainly agree that these pelagic fisheries are not being fished in a sustainable manner and the prospect of significant bycatch is certainly cause for concern.
Continue reading -
Newsletter Number 15 – 12 June 2025
NASCO – SALMON AT CRISIS LEVEL SALMON SURVIVAL STRESSOR ANALYSIS - IRELAND APPEAL FOR VOLUNTARY MEASURES CONSERVATION OF SALMON
Continue reading -
Newsletter Number 13 – 20 May 2025
This newsletter discusses the unique relationship between salmon and pearl mussel. It is in everyone's interest to know the link between these species and how we must keep habitat and water quality in a condition that supports vibrant stocks of both species. We also highlight the recent high temperatures and their potential effect on juvenile salmon. We have also provided a link to the Danish River Skyern and note that a declining trend in catches similar to UK and Ireland appears to be taking place.
Continue reading -
Newsletter Issue Number 12 – 11 May 2025
This newsletter deals with two issues which are of concern to all who support salmon conservation in Ireland. The first topic discusses the recent report from Inland Fisheries Ireland relating to the GeneFlow project which seeks to record the extent of introgression by farmed salmon into Ireland's rivers. The second issue discusses and focusses on the disasterous MSW salmon run in 2025 which follows another poor year in 2024. We are asking that all stakeholders adopt a reasonable approach to safe guard the resource. While the commercial sector is opening on 12th May and is quota restricted, it may be time to restrict fishing periods for these fisheries. We contend that commercial fisheries are not consistent with a proper management of the salmon resource and should be discontinued going forward. We are asking all the angling community to think before exploiting salmon above 65cm and to restrict their harvest.
Continue reading -
Newsletter Number 11 -Salmon Farm – Concerns
Salmon Watch Ireland Newsletter Deenish Island Aquaculture Update Urgent Concerns Raised by Salmon Watch Ireland Licence Breach: Introduction of Pre-Adult Salmon The recent transfer of fish to the Deenish Island site appears to breach key conditions of the extant aquaculture licence (AQ199). The licence strictly permits the introduction of smolts only—juvenile salmon—up to a cap of 400,000. The recent stocking of 406,450 pre-adult salmon, each averaging 2.155 kg, appears to represent a clear breach of this stipulation. This information was provided on foot of a request for AIE (Access to Environmental Information) to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Continue reading -
Latest Update – Issue number 10 – 16 April 2025
This update concerns an update on Straffan Weir and an examination of a refusal to grant information pertaining to mortality figures, stocking rates etc. We have just been informed that our appeal has not been upheld and we will have to appeal to the information commissioner. We fully intend to do this. We certainly feel that the process of public consultation has been effectively usurped by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This will certainly be challenged in court if the need arises and certainly would suggest that the public is being effectively blinded to full factual information concerning these public licenses.
Continue reading -
Update 18 March 2025
Waterville Fishery: A look back at research in the period 1980 - 1986 It is calamitous that the fishery now has few sea trout and to repeat this research may not be possible today. Certainly, a situation which can be rescued but only with your help.
Continue reading -
Update 21 February 25 – Salmon Monitoring Report
The report was published recently by Inland Fisheries Ireland and is a comprehensive analysis of the program carried out in 2023. This program is concerned with catchment wide electro fishing, estimation of smolt to adult return survival rates and a study of life cycle characteristics in several catchments. The report is extensive and complex and is strongly indicative of trends evident in salmon populations countrywide.
Continue reading -
Annacotty Weir and Catch Advice 2025
Salmon Watch Ireland would like to update our supporters on the catch advice for 2025 and Annacotty Weir. Please click on the documents below.
Continue reading -
Newsletter 2025 – Salmon Watch Ireland
Please find a PDF copy SWIRL NEWSLETTER 12025 of the newsletter as published today. We anticipate that you may find it of interest. In this issue we among other subjects examine the effect of hydro schemes and the various turbines associated with the many hydro systems around Ireland. It is a subject that we all should be informed about and vigilant about, as there is a renewed interest in the construction of facilities which will impact on salmonid mortality and production. We have also put together a video highlighting the demise of the iconic sea trout in Waterville and ask the simple question as to why. This video was co-produced with Currane fisheries, and we appreciate their support. With the ongoing transition to closed containment and closure of open cage salmon farms in British Columbia and Washington state and the apparent improvement in wild salmon numbers there, it is essential, that we progress in eliminating open cage farming and shift the dialogue towards closed containment or indeed complete closure if the industry does not facilitate this. Essentially we are approaching a period whereby open cage salmon farming may be about to expand and it is probably one of the last opportunities that we have to shape policy to protect wild salmonids and we need your support and ongoing efforts to steer our campaigns into the future. We hope you will find the content interesting. Please distribute as widely as possible.
Continue reading