Fisheries chief at odds with anglers, scientists
This is regarding poaching in a recent Prime Time report on the state of salmon stocks in this country.
That Prime Time report contained no surprises for salmon anglers who have witnessed the virtual collapse of stocks in our rivers in recent years caused primarily by the wholesale slaughter of fish by legal and illegal nets.
Mr Barry must feel at times that almost the whole world is against him.
He refuses to accept the views put forward by local anglers that salmon stocks in our rivers are in serious trouble and that illegal netting is widespread in parts of his area (fish with fresh net marks are being caught by anglers in March and September - well outside the legal netting season).
Mr Barry refuses to accept the views of visiting anglers who are voting with their feet in increasing numbers and not coming back for the simple reason that they are not catching anything.
He does not accept the view of the international scientific community that the Irish drift net fishery is incompatible with the long-term existence of the Atlantic salmon
He disagrees with the scientific standing committee of the Irish Salmon Commission who recommended a maximum total allowable catch for this year almost 40% lower that the figure recommended by Mr Barry.
He even disagrees with the chief executive of the Central Fisheries Board, John O’Connor, regarding the desirability of the existence of the Irish drift net fishery.
What does Mr Barry claim to know that nobody else does? I wish he would tell us. We are witnessing the twilight years of the Atlantic salmon in this country. Shame on all of us who have allowed it to happen.
Richard Peard
Thornleigh
Cross Douglas Road
Cork
