Fisheries proposal to improve spawning grounds in south Mayo river

INLAND Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have proposed works to improve spawning grounds in a river in south Mayo.

The proposed works are the subject of a planning application that is currently before Mayo County Council.

IFI’s proposal is for the raking and augmentation of spawning gravels and the reconfiguration of an existing weir to form an upstream facing arc in the Keel River, at Knocknakillew, Ballinrobe.

Documentation submitted to the council sets out how the project aims to enhance three gravel beds downstream of the N84 Castlebar Road bridge.

The gravel beds have become dispersed and heavily calcified, making it difficult for trout to use for spawning.

IFI's plan proposes the raking and augmentation of the gravel beds to make them more amenable for spawning.

The project will take plae within the Lough Carra/Mask Complex SAC but it fundamentally aims to enhance the quality of the local salmonid spawning habitat to achieve the conservation objectives for the Lough Corrib SAC, primarily for Altantic salmon as a feature of interest.

While the project primarily aims to enhance spawning sites for Atlantic salmon, it would also improve habitat for other species, such as the otter, white-clawed crayfish and others. The Keel river connects Lough Carra to Lough Mask. The gravel beds have been created and added to over three decades and have become significant spawning areas for trout from both lakes.

Full reports on the proposal are available on the council website.