Anglers say the catch figures don’t add up

ACCORDING to the South Western Regional Fisheries Board (Irish Examiner, February 10) anglers caught “around 30,000” salmon in its area in 2004. In 2003 that figure, according to the board, was 5,300.

These figures simply don’t stand up. Indeed it would be wonderful if there was a five-fold increase in salmon returns, but that is impossible as long as drift-netting continues. The general tone of the SWRFB statement was that salmon are a resource to be exploited for economic gain rather than a species in very serious trouble right across its entire range.

It is this attitude, as well as the statistical flexibility, that forced anglers’ elected representatives to resign from the board last year.

If this statement accurately reflects the board’s attitude it is time for the minister to intervene finally to establish how the SWRFB compiles its data and to ensure that the board discharges its obligations on conservation.

David Forde

Chairman

Federation of Cork and District Salmon and Sea Trout Angling Clubs

9 Mount Pleasant Avenue

Cork