| Home » About the CFB »
What's going on in the Central Fisheries Board
APGAI Ireland Training
22 February: Last week thirteen members of the Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors Ireland (APGAI Ire) returned to college to work towards their ‘Train the Trainer Award’ (a level 6 Fetec Qualification) at Cavan VEC for the week. The course members included both casting instructors and fly tiers. Casting instructors included well known angling writer Peter O’ Reilly, Liam Duffy, Glenda Powell and Mark Corps (from the CFB); fly tiers included Frankie Phillips and Lawrence Finney.
The APGAI Ire casting award is undergoing benchmarking and will soon be accepted as a Fetec certified qualification. Part of this process includes ensuring that their Instructors can instruct and coach to a benchmarked quality standard. To complete their awards the course members are required to carry out a training assignment and then be assessed teaching.
One down and one to go
10 February: The Loughs Agency is currently funding Angling Coaching courses. The courses are being run through Flatfield Fly-fishing supported by Mark Corps (Angling Advisor for the Central Fisheries Board).
Recently some 20 students successfully completed their Coaching Certificate for Angling Level 1 coach. The Level 1 is the ‘Assistant Coach’ award and gaining it allows them to move on to the Level 2 award or ‘Full Coach’ award.
To gain the Level 2 award the students have to prove their angling abilities in their preferred discipline, those being Game, Sea or Coarse. After learning how to coach the students then have to put their new skills into practice and prove their competence. Other areas covered in the courses involve Risk assessment, First Aid and Child Protection.
The students taking part on the course are mainly from within the Loughs Agency areas. There was a broad range of ages taking part though unfortunately no ladies. As the Loughs Agency is a cross border organisation there are students from both sides of the border including Shane O’Reilly (CFB Angling Advisor) and Des Chew (ERFB and Dublin Angling Initiative).
Rainbow trout lessons
11 December: Mark Corps and Shane O’Reilly, Angling Advisors with the CFB, recently ran a series of lunchtime casting lessons for CFB staff culminating in a days fishing at Rathcon.
Unfortunately the weather in November disrupted these plans and many of the lesson dates were cancelled. The final day of the lessons was scheduled for Rathcon Rainbow Trout Fishery on what was forecast as a miserable December day.
The weather forecast was unfortunately accurate, and the day was windy and wet though surprisingly warm. 5 staff had booked leave to take part and though the Rathcon rainbows were in a dour mood and they nearly all caught fish. Top rod with the largest rainbow trout was Shane O’ Reilly who netted a cracking fish of 9lbs. Photographed is Denis Coghlan, father of Brian Coghlan, Fisheries Technician.
Irish Open Fly Tying Championships
16 November: Irish Angler magazine has announced the Irish Open Fly Tying Championships. This prestigious event is open to fly tyers all over the world who are interested in the traditions of Irish fly tying.
Tyers will be challenged to tie examples of four traditional Irish flies, plus a salmon fly on the theme of the River Blackwater and a saltwater pattern of their choice.
The flies will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges: Peter Dunne, Mike Shanks and Peter Kealey. Each entrant will receive detailed feedback on their flies. Medals will be awarded for the first, second and third in each category, and in addition there is a long list of valuable prizes including Keough capes, Partridge hooks, an Ultimate Reference vice, a Hardy Perfect reel, a G Loomis rod and many more.
Details of the flies, plus examples and tying instructions and how to enter the competition can be found on the Irish Angler web site: www.irishangler.com or Peter Dunne’s site: www.irelandflytying.com.
Lady's Days go from strength to strength.
12 October: Saturday the 10th of October saw for the third year in a row the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board working with the Central Fisheries Board to host a ‘Lady's Introduction to Fly Fishing Day‘ at Annamoe Trout Fishery near Glendalough, in Co. Wicklow.
This was the second event run this year and once again participants were asked to make a donation in aid of Action Breast Cancer. 15 ladies were taken under the expert tutorage of Glenda Powell (Blackwater Lodge) and Mark Corps (CFB). A morning of mixed theory and practical work, covering the rudiments of fly fishing, was followed after lunch with an examination by the Annamoe Rainbows.
A good number of fish were hooked, caught and lost but it was Jo Doran from Co. Wicklow who had the honour of landing the first fish.
Participants have to be congratulated on their generosity with €815.00 raised for Action Breast Cancer. Thanks go to Brain McNally and the staff of the fishery for their continued generous support.
Salmon and trout in Trout and Salmon
28 September: Renowned and respected sea trout angler Chris Mc Cully returned to Ireland to fish for a week in late August. The week was hosted by Failte Ireland, the Central Fisheries Board, Northern Regional Fisheries Board and South Western Regional Fisheries Board.
Chris had been commissioned by angling magazine Trout and Salmon to write about the variety of Irish Sea trout fisheries. He was teamed up with the well known Ulster photographer Gardiner Mitchell.
For the first half of the trip Lough Veigh and Eske in Donegal were chosen. Like most of this summer the weather and water conditions made it challenging for Mark Corps (CFB) and Lindsey Clark (NRFB) to put the journalistic team over fish. However, a mixture of good homework and a little luck contributed to the success of the angling with sea trout to 2lbs caught at both fisheries.
The second half of the week saw Chris and Gardiner on the Rivers Bandon and Argideen in the South West Regional Fisheries Board. Here they were accompanied by Michael Hennessey of the SWRFB. Again, high water conditions in the rivers made it somewhat difficult to put them on sea trout but a grilse for Chris was a very welcome bonus. Articles from this trip will be appearing in the ‘Trout and Salmon’ magazine in early spring.
Irish angling on German TV
07 September: A German film crew recently spent two weeks in Ireland gathering footage for a piece on fly fishing. The two man crew, both journalists, from Etheon Media Company based in Stuttgart, Germany spent the fortnight filming in the north west of the country.
Unfortunately the weather was not as kind as it could have been. Despite the wet and dull weather, fluctuating water heights and occasional gale force winds they managed to catch and film exciting and dramatic footage of both salmon and sea trout in some of Ireland’s most productive and scenic fisheries.
As well as visiting a variety of fisheries they fished with a good cross section of tourism promoters, fisheries board staff, accommodation providers, guides and ghillies from the area.
Give Angling a Go! Free Events for Fisheries Awareness Week
21 August: If you have never been fishing before and you would like to give it a go, now is your big chance. Twenty five free angling and environmental related events will be taking place at many locations across the country between the 29th of August and September 5th and everyone is invited to take part. The events are free, fun and all the family can have a go. Activities and events on offer include beach fishing, coarse fishing and fly fishing. A number of presentations and demonstrations will also be talking place.
Find out more about Fisheries Awareness Week.
Inland Fisheries Ireland
10 August: In his Budget 2009 speech the Minister for Finance announced the rationalisation of a number of State bodies. As part of this process, a new national inland fisheries authority is to be established which will replace the existing Central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Fisheries Boards. Amending legislation is required to deliver the new body and this will be brought through the legislative process in the autumn. The new Authority will be in place before the end of 2009.
The restructuring of the sector will involve the following:-
- The creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority, to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. Given the nature of inland fisheries the new Authority will be organised with a strong regional presence and will be aligned on the basis of 6 River Basin Districts.
- The dissolution of the Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards.
- The dissolution of the eight Trout and Coarse Fisheries Co-operative Societies and the establishment of a grant scheme for local development groups which will be administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland and implemented within existing resources previously deployed through the Co-operative Societies.
- The establishment of appropriate advisory fora, based around a national inland fisheries forum, to be established and managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland, the deliberations of which will extend to all species of inland fisheries and will inform the development of policies on conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of the State's resource.
- The cessation of the National Salmon Commission. The Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission will be retained but will be established in its own right and will operate under the aegis of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
06 August: Inland Fisheries Restructuring Moves Closer as Minister Announces CEO Designate
Waterville Sea Trout Festival
21 July: Dr Paddy Gargan, Senior Research Scientist with the Central Fisheries Board presented an illustrated talk on the science behind the redevelopment of the Waterville seatrout and salmon fishery to a large crowd at Waterville House as part of the Waterville Sea Trout Festival. Other speakers on the night included Dr Edward Fahy, Vincent Hyland and the Waterville Manger Mr. John Murphy.
The Waterville Sea Trout Festival is a celebration of the resurgence of Waterville as a destination, not only for its magnificent seatrout fishing but also for the beauty of its rich and ancient coastal landscape, its sparkling lakes and streams, its culture, history and folklore.
‘Capture an Alien on Camera” winner presented with 1st prize
01 July: Sadhbh Baxter, winner of the Capture and Alien on Camera competition, was presented 1st prize of an Olympus SLR camera at the Western Regional Fisheries (WRFB) Head Quarters at the Galway Weir today by Dr Greg Forde CEO of the WRFB and Dr Joe Caffrey Senior Researcher CFB. Photograph Dr Greg Forde CEO of the WRFB, Dr Joe Caffrey Senior Researcher CFB Sadhbh Baxter (Winner) and Helen Moran.
Sadhbh won 1st prize with a photograph taken in the Letterfrack area - Co. Galway of some highly invasive Gunnera (giant rhubarb) and Rhododendron. On receiving her prize Sadhbh said she was delighted she had taken the time to go out and take the photograph and was thrilled she had won.
The CFB would like to congratulate the three winners of the competition and would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter the competition.
If you would like to view the three winning entries please click this link.
Casting on the lawn
June 16th: Shane O’ Reilly and Mark Corps, Angling Advisers with the Central Fisheries Board gave fly casting lessons to interested staff at the CFB during their lunch break. Everyone involved gave up their lunch time to get expert advice on fly casting and the different techniques involved. A number of staff who never fished before decided to come out and give it a go.Even some seasoned anglers came out for the practice, and to pick up some top tips and handy hints.
Everyone who took part really enjoyed the lessons and found them very beneficial. Further lunch time casting lessons are planned for the month of June.
European Fish Experts meet in Dublin
Fish experts from twenty seven countries across Europe met last week in Co. Dublin to progress an inter-calibration exercise for the Water Framework Directive. This high level meeting of some of Europe’s most eminent fisheries scientists is being hosted by the Central Fisheries Board at its Swords headquarters from the 27th to 29th May 2009.
Read the press release: European Fish Experts meet in Dublin.
Central Fisheries Board Marks International Day on Biological Diversity
08 May: The International Day on Biological Diversity (IDB) takes place on 22nd May 2009 and this year’s theme is invasive alien species. The purpose of the day is to highlight the fact that invasive alien species represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, and to the ecological and economic well-being of society and the planet. In marking this international event, the Central Fisheries Board has launched a photo competition to raise awareness of the issue of invasive alien species in Ireland.
The CFB photo competition is aimed at getting those interested in Ireland’s native flora and fauna to capture some of Ireland’s non-native alien invasive species on camera and help raise awareness of this growing problem. The competition will run from 8th May until 2nd June and each of the top three photographs, as selected by the judging committee, will win a prize.
Send your photogaph of an invasive species to contact@cfb.ie before 5pm on 02 June. Photos must be below 3 MB.
Read the press release: Central Fisheries Board Marks International Day on Biological Diversity
Invasive Species
Brown Trout in Ireland launched by Minister
21 April: ‘Brown Trout in Ireland’ published by the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) was launched on the 21st April at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin, by Sean Power T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Among the many guests were some familiar faces including Eamon de Buitléar, Board Member and Orri
Vigfússon founder of the Iceland-based North Atlantic Salmon Fund. Eamon is well know in Ireland and overseas for his wildlife documentaries. Orri is an ardant supporter of salmon and trout conservation and recently received a Goldman Environmental Prize and was named a Time Magazine "European Hero" for his work in this area. Also photographed is Charles Kennedy, Vice Chairman of the
Ulster Branch of the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland.
Buy the book: The book is a must for anglers and environmentalists and is available from the Central Fisheries Board for €30.00 including postage. Anyone seeking a copy should contact sandra.doyle@cfb.ie
Read the press release: Diversity of Irelands Brown Trout Highlighted at Book Launch
Fisheries Boards at German Fishing Fair
14 April: The Central Fisheries, North Western Regional Fisheries, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, Tourism Ireland, Monaghan Tourism and industry member Heinz Lorenz recently attended the largest angling show in Southern Germany; Jagen & Fischen
14th International Exhibition of Hunting,
Fishing and Outdoor Life
Munich, Germany.
This show is held over a five day period in the New Munich Trade Fair Center once every two years. In 2007 it attracted some 42,000 visitors and initial figures indicate that this year it attracted even more.
Staff were at times swamped with visitors to the stand. They welcomed innumerable people who had visited and fished in Ireland before and gave advice and assistance in planning angling holidays in Ireland. Over 10,000 brochures and booklets on angling in Ireland were handed out during the show.
One visitor to the stand, Mr. Pius Wehrle, was delighted to see a picture of himself on one of the banner displays proudly holding a fine 12lb brown trout he caught from Lough Mask three years ago. This is one of a number of large trout he has caught in Irish Loughs over the years and he is returning to Ireland later in the spring to hopefully repeat this feat.
Photo: Pius Wehrle and Markus Muller (North Western Regional Fisheries Board) pictured with a fine Lough Mask fish
Training in Bird Survey techniques for the Environmental River Enhancement Program (EREP)
06 April: The recent training was given by Dr. Fintan Bracken MIEEM of WYG Ireland on the Rye Water- a tributary of the River Liffey and the Royal Canal at Leixlip.
The CFB under the Environmental River Enhancement Program (EREP) project is undertaking an investigation into the effect of Office of Public Works (OPW) drainage maintenance on bird populations on or in the river corridor.
OPW drainage maintenance removes or manages instream and riparian vegetation in drained channels, this essential work may have an impact on bird populations. Through the EREP project the CFB hopes to assess the possible impacts of drainage maintenance on bird populations using the river corridor.
During the training the staff learned how to identify the riparian and aquatic birds found on or in the vicinity of the river corridor. Birds are identified visually and by the recognition of calls and songs.
Birds are surveyed using the line transect technique where recorders walk at a steady pace along the river corridor recording all birds seen or heard into several distance bands. This method is based on the British breeding bird survey. Surveys commence shortly after dawn and finish before 10am as this is the period of greatest bird activity especially bird song.
Pike Safari
24 March: Earlier this week the Central Fisheries Board joined David Wolsoncroft - Dodds, a well known pike fishing expert and writer based in the UK, in a test of skills against Irish pike on the River Barrow. David is on a week long pike angling safari during which he will fish the River Barrow, Lough Derg and Lough Ree where he is hoping to meet up with some large 'crocodiles'.
The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards teamed up with Failte Ireland to bring David to Ireland where it is expected he will expierience some of the very best pike angling available in Europe. The articles which will feature in the British angling press following the trip are expected to generate increased angler isits to Ireland this year.
David is ardant supporter of Irish angling and guides groups of British pike anglers here during the angling season.
Congolian Juniors and the Fisheries Boards win Shrule Parade
17 March 2009: The Congolian Juniors in association with the Western and Central Fisheries Boards put on a spectacular choreographed performance in the Shrule St. Patrick’s Day parade to win 1st prize.
The theme for the Congolian Juniors float was “recession busters” and the costumes of the 20 children involved covered topics such as invasive species, GAA and local produce. As four of the group are avid anglers they decided that their part of the float would show St. Patrick being asked to banish invasive species from Lough Corrib.
They dressed up in Lagarosiphon major (curly leaved waterweed) and zebra mussel costumes and performed a number of different routines around a boat which they designed and made themselves.
See related press release for more information: Congolian Juniors Win at the Shrule Parade
Salmon Conservation Stamp Fund
18 February 2008: The ‘Salmon Conservation Stamp Fund’ is generated from the sale of angling and commercial salmon licences. It was established in December 2006 as a means of funding a programme for the rehabilitation of salmon rivers.
The Fund represents a major contribution by licence holders to wild salmon conservation. The Central Fisheries Board (CFB) was tasked by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) with co-ordinating the funding and the Regional Fisheries Boards were tasked with implementing projects on the ground. There are 148 listed salmon rivers in Ireland a number of which are below their conservation limit. In the first instance priority is given to rivers below their conservation limits in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and which have the greatest prospect of recovery. However other rivers and programmes have also been considered.
Download the leaftet: Salmon Conservation Stamp Fund [.pdf, 5 MB]
2009 Calendar
06 January 2009: The CFB published a Native Plants of Irish Waterways calendar. These were distributed free of charge to the public, schools, libraries, related agencies and other people with an interest in fisheries.
New Health and Safety Handbook
19 December 2008: The Central & Regional Fisheries Boards are pleased to announce the launch of the new employee Health and Safety Handbook. The handbook was developed by our Health & Safety Executive (Michael Cusack) in consultation with management and the Boards safety committees.
The handbook has been updated to reflect recent changes in health & safety legislation and compliments the Boards safety statements. We envisage that it will become an integral part of our safety system and our commitment to promoting a positive health and safety culture.
It is designed to be “user friendly” giving important health & safety information to all, without the extensive use of legislative text or technical jargon. The document also contains many photographs and diagrams which aid in the identification of hazards which are present across our diverse range of working environments.
“It is my sincere hope that the employee health and safety handbook remains a “living” document and becomes a useful reference guide for our staff.”
Michael Cusack
Health & Safety Executive/Access Officer
Central Fisheries Board
Brown Trout in Ireland
02 December 2008: The Central Fisheries Board has just published a book on Brown Trout in Ireland written by Dr Martin O’Grady. This beautifully illustrated book deals with all aspects of the trout's ecology and biology. It is written in a very readable style and would appeal, particularly, to the inquisitive angler who wishes to know more about his quarry.
The ideal present for the angler or student of natural history and an essential addition to their library.
For further information or orders click here.
Trevor Champ Retires
28 November 2008: On Friday, 28 November the CFB hosted a retirement function for Trevor Champ who had worked tirelessly for the Board on matters environmental since 1968. A large number of colleagues from the Fisheries Boards, UCD, EPA and other bodies turned out to wish Trevor well with his retirement. Speakers on the night included David Mackey, Chairman, CFB, Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO and the CEO of the Western Regional Fisheries Board, Dr Greg Forde.
Trevor Champ worked as a Senior Research Officer with the Central Fisheries Board. His main area of research was pollution prevention, eutrophication control and ecological impacts of nutrients emanating from urbanisation, agriculture and forestry. Since 2000 he has represented the CFB on various National Committees, Technical Working Groups and Steering Committees for the Water Framework Directive.
Mr. Champ championed the use of fish communities in the ecological classification of rivers and lakes for the Water Framework Directive.
Ciara O'Leary presents paper on eel biology, management and stock recovery at IFM Seminar
05 November 2008: The European eel stock (Anguilla anguilla) had been in decline since the 1980s. The reason for the
decline in the numbers of eels returning to European waters is not known.
Theories include overexploitation, loss of habitat, barriers to migration (i.e.
hydroelectric stations), water quality, parasitology, and oceanic climate
change. Whatever the reason a Europe-wide response is necessary due to the
panmictic nature of the species. In response to calls from ICES that the eel is
endangered and that the fishing is unsustainable the EU has proposed an Eel
Recovery Plan. The objective of the management plan is to ensure the escapement
of at least 40% of the silver eel biomass relative to the best estimate of
escapement that would have existed if no anthropogenic influences had impacted
the stock. Read the full abstract here.
Dr. Ciara O’Leary is a Research Officer for the Central Fisheries Board. Ciara has been working for the CFB since 2006. Her first project was with Dr. Martin O’Grady where she undertook the statistical analysis and reporting of data from the Drained Rivers Enhancement Programme. In 2007 Ciara worked with Dr. Willie Roche carrying out stock assessments of salmon in key rivers in the Northern Regional Fisheries Board area. Since early 2008 Ciara has worked as the researcher for the CFB on the NDP funded project ‘Compilation of habitat based catchment information and historical eel data in support of Eel Management Plan’ (EEL-PLAN).
Dr Michael Kennedy Awards 2008
21 October 2008: "Focus on the Environment" is an environmental competition for primary school children in Munster run by Sherkin Island Marine Station. This is the eleventh year of this exciting competition. Each year school children enter projects and works of art on what is important to them in their environment. The best entry on the subject of freshwater fish or their environment, in each of the four individual age categories, receives a special prize of €100 in honour of Dr Michael Kennedy, who retired as Manager of the Inland Fisheries Trust in 1973. This year the winners of the Dr Michael Kennedy Award are:
- Timothy O'Keeffe, Scoil Bhreandan Naofa, Rathcoole, Mallow, Co. Cork.
- Anna Mahony, Scoil Iosagain, Uppera Aghada, Midleton, Co. Cork (photographed left)
- Patrick Bardos, St. Marys CBS, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
- John Marciak, St. Marys CBS Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
The Central Fisheries Board would like to congratulate all those who entered this year's competition for the high standanrd of work submitted.
RTE Film electrofishing
14 October 2008: The South Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Central Fisheries Board met RTE’S Marine Correspondent Tom Mc Sweeney in Bandon, Co. Cork.
Two research officers from the Central Fisheries Board were filmed demonstrating electro- fishing as part of the Catchment Wide Electro Fishing project.
Aidan Barry CEO of the South Western Regional Fisheries Board and Cathal Gallagher Research and Development Director at the Central Fisheries Board gave interviews which will be used on RTE’s radio one Seascapes and RTE television for Nationwide.
The days’ filming was a great success this was mainly due to the help and knowledge on the day by the Regional Fisheries Officers and Inspectors.
Mark Corps passes Association of Professional Angling Guides and Instructors - Ireland exam
06 October 2008: APGAI-Ireland is the only Irish angling Instructor qualification. In 2001 the CFB instigated a meeting with the Irish Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors, from both Northern Ireland and the Republic (qualified in UK). It was agreed that the island of Ireland should have its own, properly constituted, insured, governing body for game angling instructors which would develop and maintain the highest international standards and APGAI-Ireland was founded.
Mark Corps, CFB Angling Advisor, passed his single handed casting qualification on 19/10/08. This being the highest casting award available in Ireland the exam is constructed to be very difficult with a pass mark of 80%. A written test is followed by an in depth practical casting exam and a final oral examination on the candidates knowledge of angling etiquette, entomology and knots. Mark’s qualification will allow the CFB to keep up to speed with instructional developments and ensure that CFB coaching work conforms with best practice.
Colouring competition
29 September 2008: The Central and Regional Fisheries Board’s were delighted with the huge number of entries to the colouring competition at the recent ploughing championships. There were hundreds of entries and the judges found it very difficult to pick the over all winners in each category.
After much deliberation the judges decided as follows…
Under 9: Lisa Carroll aged 8, Co. Carlow, Conor ryan aged 7, Co. Offaly, Iona Ritchie aged 5, Co Waterford.
9-13: Sophie Hanratty Aged 11, Kayleigh Bourke aged 10, Co. Tipperary, Megan aged 9 ½.
13-16: Emily Mahon aged 16, Co. Wexford,
Jane Mattews aged 15, Co. Wexford, Helen Wallace aged 16, Co. Wexford.
A special award goes to Aidan Lawlor aged 3, Co Killkenny. The judges were delighted by his energy and creativity.
CFB wins fishing day
01 September 2008: Fighting off very keen competition from other teams in the fisheries sector, the Central Fisheries Board won the 7th annual Inter Agency Sea Angling Challenge, fished in the rich waters off Clare Island, Co. Mayo recently. The Central Fisheries Board was delighted to win the competition for the first time and take the prestigious title from the South Western Regional Fisheries Board which was chasing a 6-in-a-row. The winning team was Captain Willie Roche, Shane O’ Reilly, new CEO Ciaran Byrne and David Bryne who also won the individual prize. At the prizegiving dinner in the Grainne Uaile pub in Newport NWRFB Chairman John Walkin, who presented the prizes, expressed his delight that this prestigious competition was fished off the Mayo coast this year and that fishing had been so productive.
Electrofishing Training Day
25 August 2008: Fifteen staff members of the Research Division of the CFB recently attended an electrofishing training day held on the banks of the Royal Canal near Killucan. The training was conducted by Dr. Martin O’Farrell of Electracatch International. The training followed the purchase by the CFB of new boat based electrofishing equipment. Practical, hands on experience was provided and issues relating to the safe and practical use of the gear were demonstrated.
Electrofishing is the typical fish stock assessment tool utilised on the canal network. Traditionally this has been conducted using three boat based electrofishing crews. The new equipment is currently being used on the Royal and Grand Canals by some of the staff who attended the training. During the summer of 2008, staff have been comparing the efficiency and catch rate of operations using two crews using the new equipment compared to the traditional three boat approach.
CFB on Seascapes RTE Radio 1
11 August 2008: RTE's Tom McSweeney, the voice of maratime matters in Ireland visited the CFB recently to talk to Dr Ciaran Byrne about recent developments in Inland Fisheries policies, developing the angling sector for tourist and dometic anglers and other challenges facing the inland fisheries service.
The interview will run in two parts to give it detailed coverage -the first went out Monday - August 18 on SEASCAPES and the second part next Monday night, August 25.
RTE News: Fisheries chief warns of threat to rivers
Arne Eggereide visits the CFB
15 July 2008: Arne Eggereide, Head of Section in the Directorate for Dature Management visited the Central Fisheries Board as part of an exchange of information. Arne is is responsible for anadromous and inland fisheries, including salmon, in Norway and is interested in the way that ireland has been managing its salmon fisheries in recent years. He will undertake a visit to salmon rod and draft net fisheries in the West of Ireland over the coming week. At a meeting with Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO, Dr Paddy Gargan Senior Research Officer and Dr Cathal Gallagher Director of Field Services issues of mutual interest in relation to the management of salmon fisheries and the management and control of salmon aquaculture in Norway and Ireland were discussed. It is hoped that Arne’s visit to the Central Fisheries Board in July and his return visit in Se ptember will lead to a better understanding of how our two countries can overcome a range of similar salmon management problems to improve the salmon resource for all.
New website for Water Framework Directive Project
03 June 2008: A new website has been launched to inform the public and relevant stakeholders the role the Fisheries Board have in the Water Framework Directive. Visit www.wfdfish.ie to find out more.
Catch and Release winner 2007
February 2008: Nigel has been fishing for over 40 years. He first heard of the Catch and Release Incentive Scheme from one of his customers at The Kylemore Abbey Fishery, Co Galway. Nigel promotes catch and release at his fishery and believes “ people should be gentle and treat the fish with respect when releasing the fish”. Nigel was delighted to be announced the winner for the 2007 competition and looks forward to taking part in 2008. Catch and release is a great way to get all the pleasure of fishing while helping to conserve our salmon stocks. Entry forms are available here or email info@cfb.ie with Catch and Release Incentive Scheme as the subject. You can also call 01 8842692.
