Eels in serious decline

At one time, our rivers and streams had abundant eel stocks and, as boys, we can remember turning over stones in attempts to catch slippery eels, writes Donal Hickey.

We’re told a phenomenon dubbed ‘citizen science’ is becoming popular — people who are not scientists working with experts in scientific projects. It means highly-qualified professionals can tap into the knowledge and expertise of generations of local people, in fishing for instance.

Oran Roche, from Clashmore, on the Cork/Waterford border, was toasted recently by Inland Fisheries Ireland which has been working on the delivery of a scientific eel fishery in the Munster Blackwater. He is among 11 fishermen in the programme.