The Chairman
Inland Fisheries Ireland 18th July 2024
Dear Chairman
With reference to the recent article by Dara Bradley which appeared in the Connacht Tribune; Anglers angry after catch limits reduced by half.
It is disappointing that this poorly informed article has been printed by the Connacht Tribune. The people influencing this publication are sadly very angry about losing a Public Consultation, a consultation which was fairly conducted and resulted with a legally binding bylaw for a two fish brown trout bag limit on the Clare River. I can also confirm that Cairde an Chlàir hasn’t been contacted over this matter.
The piece begins with a misinformed reference to licensing for brown trout, this as we well know is incorrect, as a licence isn’t required for brown trout fishing or the taking of legal brown trout limits on the Corrib catchment system. Then a Mr McGrath, makes a reference to science and scientific data and cites a pointless argument about “other forms of stock enhancement options and no cost benefit analysis” without stating what he means. Mr McGrath goes on to accuse Inland Fisheries Ireland of making “an assumption, a leap of faith” which is totally unfair and as for the insinuation “legislation, signed by Minister Ryan, was rushed through without proper consultation” this was misleading and disingenuous.
This flawed argument continues with another skewed reference to “many angling organisations in both counties opposed the legislation and fear that it will lead to a similar bylaw on the Corrib”. The paper stated ‘those opposing the bylaw want it appealed’. Well of course they do, they are afraid that the latter could happen and that a two fish bag limit could be proposed for the Corrib. If this were to happen, they know that there is a high probability that the proposal could triumph and this would be unacceptable to them. It is unfortunate that there is a small element of the angling fraternity in Ireland that cannot come to terms with the modern mode of thinking but if we pander to this minority, then the majority of the nation’s anglers will lose out and in a democracy that would be unfair.
The way that ‘many organisations opposing the proposal for a two fish brown trout bag limit on the Clare River’ was portrayed in the article, was grossly unfair with a biased bent that made the numbers in opposition to the proposal for a two fish limit look greater than they were in reality. This was poorly researched and biased reporting, because as we well know, those opposing the proposal were resoundly beaten by a ratio of over two to one. Not only were those in opposition to the proposal comprehensively beaten by the numbers of submissions made, they were also overwhelmingly beaten by the quality and superior content of the submissions supporting the proposal.
Do not be deceived by the tone of the article or the letter which Mr McGrath sent to you. We are dealing with a minority element of anglers here in the west of Ireland which are opposed to change, they are exasperated and desperately trying to bring about an appeal. As an organisation that is trying to introduce positive initiatives to improve the angling locally, Cairde an Chlàir have experienced this sort of questionable behaviour before. Indeed members were subjected to some unfortunate intimidation when they signed the MOU agreement with IFI in March 2020. What we are dealing with now isn’t a new tactic and IFI needs to be strong.
If we look at the facts, IFI responded in a positive and professional manner to the proposal put forward by Cairde an Chlàir for a two fish brown trout bag limit for the Clare River. In accepting the proposal, IFI then correctly held a Public Consultation. Submissions were made and then reviewed. The conclusion was an overwhelming majority for the proposal. This was put to the Ministers Office for review, the Minister acted by signing off the recommendation for a new conservation measure for the Clare River and in April 2024 a new bylaw for a two fish brown trout bag limit was passed into law. This was the result of a democratic and legal process. It was just and fair, and because a certain element of society cannot accept defeat by this process, they want to skew the argument and use intimidation to achieve their agenda of no change or change only on their terms. If we concede to this, then we concede to anarchy and democracy loses.
As for IFI data, this is a weakness which the agency needs to resolve. Those opposing the proposal could not use IFI data to formulate a reasoned argument against, likewise those supporting the proposal could not use IFI data because quite simply, it does not exist, and this is a flaw which the agency needs to address. Research and Development are failing in this department and they are failing badly.
Thankfully there is more than enough international data supporting conservation measures like the one proposed for the Clare River, that this isn’t a problem. As for the inference that IFI are accusing anglers for the decline in fish stocks, no such reference was made. Cairde an Chláir made a request to IFI to review a conservation measure to protect the mature fish which run the Clare River. IFI acted upon this request. Yes pollution, loss of nursery habitat, invasive species, global warming, modern farming practices etc, are all having an impact on wild brown trout stocks but anglers are in denial if they believe that their actions are also not having an impact. Angler impacts are well documented, particularly in the North American States. Trout Unlimited holds realms of data led articles which clearly depict the effects of angler exploitation and if a few anglers here in the west of Ireland cannot accept this fact, then this intransigent attitude leaves no room for reasoned argument.
IFI have been just and fair, they have acted correctly and done the right thing. Anglers throughout Ireland are beginning to see a change within the agency and support for IFI is growing. Cairde an Chlàir working in collaboration with IFI are now on the cusp of a landmark year. At this moment in time teams from both IFI and OPW are working on 3000 metres of nursery stream restoration and the achievement of this milestone, is largely due to the endeavour of the agency for the conservation and protection of fish in Ireland. We value that support and will try to give it as much publicity as is possible within our means. Cairde an Chlàir will soon be launching a web site to promote and give maximum media cover to the instream development projects which are now taking place. This milestone of achievement could not have happened without the collaboration with IFI and it is a success story that both organisations should be proud of.
Nursery stream enhancements are the natural and sustainable way to increase the reproduction of wild populations of brown trout. If we support this strategy with conservation measures to protect the mature fish from over exploitation by anglers, then we have taken a huge stride forward to improving the fishing resource on our world class fisheries. This is a formula which is known to work, internationally it has been used since the 1970’s and Ireland has been slow to adopt this mode of thinking but that is now changing. Thankfully IFI is now making this change and adopting modern strategies to improve fish stocks, this is a positive initiative and it is the way forward, it is the right thing to do.
The agency has suffered a period of poor relations with the nation’s anglers, this was due to some questionable decisions and flawed strategies that were not working, however, that period has passed and the relationship between angler and Inland Fisheries Ireland is waxing. This waxing relationship will continue to grow, if the agency remains strong and makes the right decisions. Please do not be influenced by a few anglers who refuse to accept change. Ireland was the first country to introduce a no smoking ban, the rest of the world looked on to see what would happen. There were members of the public here in Ireland who were opposed to change and resented the ban but in the end, even they had to concede. Democracy won and that is how it should be.
Yours Sincerely
Richard Jordan
Chairman Cairde an Chláir