Eel research initiative launched
6th April 2016
Collaborative research initiative involving scientists and eel fishermen launched
Inland Fisheries Ireland is seeking expressions of interest from eel fishermen after it announced that it is establishing a network of scientific fisheries for eel around Ireland, reports Pauric Gallagher.
The collaborative research project will involve a number of former eel fishermen, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and scientists to develop improved data in supporting decisions on future prospects for both fishermen and eel stock ahead of the 2018 EU review of the national Irish eel management plan.
The Irish eel fishery was closed in 2009 after scientific advice stated that the numbers of European eels has diminished to a historical low and the stock was critically endangered. Until its closure, approximately 100 tonnes of eels per annum were harvested in Ireland; this was less than 2% of the European harvest, but a real lifeline for the 200 or so fishermen who relied on it.
The scientific fisheries will be distributed in key catchments around Ireland (Barrow, Boyne, Corrib, Fane, Moy, Munster Blackwater, Waterford Harbour and the Shannon Estuary).
Announcing the programme, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “IFI is delighted to be working with the eel fishermen in undertaking research on this enigmatic creature. IFI has experience in working with stakeholders in both the commercial and recreational fishing in relation to salmon, sea trout, bass and invasive species.”
IFI’s Head of Research, Dr Cathal Gallagher, said: “The programme presents a great opportunity for eel fishermen to work with IFI to get an understanding of the process involved in gathering data to undertake stock assessments. This research will investigate changes to the eel stock as a result of the poor recruitment of eel to Europe. Data from the lake surveys carried out by IFI indicate an absence of smaller eels that were present in surveys from the 1960s to the 1990s.”
The European eel is critically endangered and, in 2007, the EU introduced a regulation requiring member states to implement management plans to help eel stocks recover. The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is that all mortality affecting silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible. Ireland submitted a review of its management measures to the EU in 2015.
Eel fishermen interested in taking part in the scientific fisheries can call: 01 8842600, email: info@fisheriesireland.ie or visit: fisheriesireland.ie and search for ‘eel fishery’, to get an information pack with details on how to apply. The closing date for applications is 15 April 2016.
Read more from Fishing News
Collaborative research initiative involving scientists and eel fishermen launched
Inland Fisheries Ireland is seeking expressions of interest from eel fishermen after it announced that it is establishing a network of scientific fisheries for eel around Ireland, reports Pauric Gallagher.
The collaborative research project will involve a number of former eel fishermen, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and scientists to develop improved data in supporting decisions on future prospects for both fishermen and eel stock ahead of the 2018 EU review of the national Irish eel management plan.
The Irish eel fishery was closed in 2009 after scientific advice stated that the numbers of European eels has diminished to a historical low and the stock was critically endangered. Until its closure, approximately 100 tonnes of eels per annum were harvested in Ireland; this was less than 2% of the European harvest, but a real lifeline for the 200 or so fishermen who relied on it.
The scientific fisheries will be distributed in key catchments around Ireland (Barrow, Boyne, Corrib, Fane, Moy, Munster Blackwater, Waterford Harbour and the Shannon Estuary).
Announcing the programme, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “IFI is delighted to be working with the eel fishermen in undertaking research on this enigmatic creature. IFI has experience in working with stakeholders in both the commercial and recreational fishing in relation to salmon, sea trout, bass and invasive species.”
IFI’s Head of Research, Dr Cathal Gallagher, said: “The programme presents a great opportunity for eel fishermen to work with IFI to get an understanding of the process involved in gathering data to undertake stock assessments. This research will investigate changes to the eel stock as a result of the poor recruitment of eel to Europe. Data from the lake surveys carried out by IFI indicate an absence of smaller eels that were present in surveys from the 1960s to the 1990s.”
The European eel is critically endangered and, in 2007, the EU introduced a regulation requiring member states to implement management plans to help eel stocks recover. The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is that all mortality affecting silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible. Ireland submitted a review of its management measures to the EU in 2015.
Eel fishermen interested in taking part in the scientific fisheries can call: 01 8842600, email: info@fisheriesireland.ie or visit: fisheriesireland.ie and search for ‘eel fishery’, to get an information pack with details on how to apply. The closing date for applications is 15 April 2016.
Read more from Fishing News
