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The Central and Western Regional Fisheries Boards, are currently carrying out a comprehensive fish stock survey on Lough Corrib. This survey, the first since the last survey in 1996 some 12 years ago, is being undertaken as part of the fisheries element of the EU Water Framework Directive, and will give a complete picture of the extent of the fish stocks in the lake. Under the Directive, this survey must be repeated every 3 years, so long term trends in fish stocks will be monitored, and all fish species present in the lake will be recorded.
As part of the survey, Fisheries Board crews are using a range of techniques for sampling the fish stocks in the lake including nets and the latest sonar technology. The taking of a sample of fish by nets is necessary as the scientific staff must examine fish lengths, weight, diet and age, while sonar surveys will also assist in the distribution of fish in the deeper areas in particular.
Results of the survey will take several months to compile, as fish samples are analysed in the laboratory during the winter, when all surveys around the country are complete. The results will then be published by the Western River Basin District and will be available to all interested parties.
In the interim the general public are advised that any nets associated with the survey will be clearly marked by orange buoys with the letters CFB clearly displayed. People should be careful not to disturb these nets and to avoid driving boats through them as some nets are set on the lake surface.
The survey is scheduled to take 2 weeks, but may be extended if bad weather hampers operations.
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