Study into falling salmon stocks

A STUDY is being carried out to establish the case of declining salmon stocks in the Shannon river.

As part of the research project, radio transmitters will be attached to fish to track their movements.

The study, managed by Limerick Institute of Technology, is being carried out as part of the Shannon Regional Rehabilitation Project drawn up by the Shannon Regional Fisheries board.

Research will be undertaken by the Department of Applied Science within the School of Science, Engineering and Information Technology and will work in coalition with Dr Fran Igoe of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board.

The scheme aims to develop a management system leading to a healthy return of wild salmon numbers in the upper and middle Shannon.

Key partners include the ESB, the Marine Institute, the Central Fisheries Board and University College Cork,

There has been a steady decline in salmon stocks globally since the 1970s.

A spokesperson at LIT said: “The research will also examine the impact of fishing and the use of treble and barbed hooks on the survival and movement of fish post-catch and release.”