Inland Fisheries Ireland are seeking the help of anglers and the general public to report any sightings of distressed fish due to high water temperatures or low water levels. Inland Fisheries Ireland would also request that anglers voluntarily cease using keep nets during this period, so as not to cause unintentional distress to fish kept for long periods in these nets.
Reports may be made to the local fisheries offices (listed below) or the 24 hour hotline number on 0818 34 74 24. Inland Fisheries Ireland staff will continue to monitor water bodies for any signs of distressed fish in shallow water, but may be able to react more quickly to timely reports received.
Local Fisheries Offices:
- IFI Swords – 01- 8842600
- IFI Limerick – 061-300238
- IFI Blackrock – 01 – 8842693
- IFI Galway – 091-563118
- IFI Clonmel – 052 – 6180055
- IFI Ballina – 096 – 22788
- IFI Macroom – 026 – 41222
- IFI Ballyshannon – 071 – 9851435
‘Low water levels and high water temperatures may lead to fish kills’, stated CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland Dr Ciaran Byrne, ‘ and as the temperatures for salmon and trout are perilously hot at the moment, fish kills may be unavoidable. In many instances, moving fish may also prove too stressful. Anglers practicing catch and release during this hot spell may wish to consider desisting from fishing until conditions are more favourable.’
Minister Fergus O Dowd stated ‘I urge everyone to please be vigilant and help conserve our wonderful inland fisheries resource’.
