Vulnerable bass in Cork fitted with tags to determine how they spawn

The latest technology is being used to learn more about the vulnerable bass species in Irish waters. Bass in Cork Harbour have been fitted with tags to help determine where and how they spawn.

A large number were caught by anglers over four days last week. The study is being undertaken by Inland Fisheries Ireland in partnership with Finn Okland, of the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, who tagged the fish, and some Cork anglers.

Little is known about the migration patterns, or spawning behaviour, of Irish bass and it is hoped the study will address a significant knowledge gap and provide improved information to manage this popular, sport fish species.

Small tags were attached to the bass which were returned to the water, minutes after tagging. The lightweight tags will release from the fish, in late spring 2016, when they will transmit data about the fish location and other scientific information.

Inland Fisheries Ireland chief executive Ciaran Byrne described bass as one of the most exciting and valuable recreational angling species in Irish waters. He said the project is timely given the major international focus on the distribution of bass and concerns about its status.

Cork Harbour

Unravelling more about bass migrations presents an excellent opportunity to gain insights which are essential for the protection and conservation of bass, he said. The project is a repeat of similar tagging carried out in 2014. Working closely with anglers is a key element of the programme given that bass is the only marine fish species that is managed exclusively for angling.

Also, there’s to be new research involving Inland Fisheries Ireland scientists and a number of former eel fishermen to garner more national knowledge of the threatened eel and its potential for recovery. Based on scientific advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland and others, existing conservation measures in Ireland’s eel management plan, agreed by the EU will remain in place up to mid-2018.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, meanwhile, reports the status of eel remains critical. It says the killing of eel through commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, pollution and other means should be reduced, or kept as close to zero as possible. Current status of eel is that it is ‘critically endangered’ and the research will start in 2016.

Minister of State Joe McHugh says research will involve interested parties over the next three years. It is hoped this will result in an informed decision on the outlook for the stock over the next few years.