International Atlantic salmon conservation forum taking place in Mayo
THE world’s foremost international Atlantic salmon conservation forum is taking place in Mayo this week.
On behalf of the EU, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has organised the annual meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) jointly with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The week-long NASCO business meeting opened yesterday (Monday) and continues until June 7 at Knockranny House Hotel, Westport.
Discussions will be attended by government fisheries managers and scientists from around the Atlantic rim, including the USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark (in respect of the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Iceland, the EU (including Ireland) and the UK.
A range of accredited non-governmental organisations will also attend.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said: “The salmon holds a special place in Ireland’s cultural and ecological heritage. In culture it signifies learning and knowledge. In ecology it signifies the importance of ensuring clean rivers and a healthy and resilient environment - both here at home, and globally.
“That is why it is so important that NASCO is focusing on the pressures and risks to migratory Atlantic salmon in our native rivers, and on the marine environment in areas where fish make long journeys to feed before returning as adults to their rivers of birth.
“IFI is committed to international initiatives to best enable this iconic species to survive and thrive. It is vital that Ireland, through the ongoing efforts of IFI, continues to work in harmony and collaboratively-across both management and scientific research-with our partners in NASCO.”
Approximately 100 delegates from different nations are attending the event.
Dr. Cathal Gallagher, deputy CEO of IFI, commented: “Wild salmon numbers returning to Ireland have declined from 1.76 million in 1975 to 171,700 in 2022. This is a catastrophic decrease in less than one generation.
“IFI and the Irish government are very focused on wild,Atlantic salmon conservation through its programmes in research, protection, habitat restoration, and education and outreach.
“Investments have been made in new technologies, boats and equipment to help combat illegal fishing. A major new National Barriers Programme has commenced, and this work will improve riverine connectivity, which in turn will help migrating salmon and other species.
“Ireland’s Atlantic salmon management regime is considered by many as best in class internationally. IFI is honoured to share our scientific expertise and facilities with our international partners in NASCO.”
On Friday, delegates will tour the National Salmonid Index Catchment on the River Erriff, a world-class applied scientific research facility at Aasleagh Falls, operated by IFI.
Kimberly Damon-Randall, president of NASCO, added: “We have a packed agenda, and our primary business is to discuss how NASCO can best work in this critical time for wild Atlantic salmon across its range. In particular we will be looking at the challenges faced by this iconic species, such as invasions of pink salmon - a salmon from the Pacific Ocean.”