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A public meeting and seminar was held on Monday the 27th of June with interested parties to discuss their views on the future management of wild brown trout in Ireland. Officials of angling clubs, fisheries boards, representative organisations and individuals attended the Corrib Great Southern Hotel to hear presentations by speakers on the latest scientific knowledge about trout in Ireland.
Professor Andrew Ferguson of Queen’s University, Belfast, a world expert on salmonid genetics, spoke about current knowledge of trout genetics. Currently there are plans to recognise ferox, sonaghan and gillaroo trout as separate species, with their own respective conservation requirements. He spoke particularly of the need to assess ferox trout stocks and look at greater conservation. Delegates also heard about the damage the incorrect use of hatcheries can do to genetic integrity and biodiversity.
Dr. Martin O’Grady of the Central Fisheries Board gave an overview of the research done over the last 40 years on trout, with particular to management strategies. It has been shown that stock management is an important tool in maintaining trout stocks in designated game fisheries, and that enhancement hatcheries have little benefit to trout stocks in the great western lakes and could actually be reducing the genetic diversity.
Dr. Greg Forde of the Western Regional Fisheries Board spoke about management of the resource, and emphasised the need for greater conservation. He also listed the threats to habitat, water quality, genetic integrity, and stock levels, and outlined how these must be addressed.
Following the talks, which were very well received, delegates formed small groups to present their own ideas, and these were recorded and discussed. All of the input received will be used by the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards in formulating the review, which will then be presented to the government for consideration.
The Western Regional Fisheries Board would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to a very useful and enjoyable meeting.
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