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    WILD SALMON & SEA TROUT STATISTICS 2012

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    WILD SALMON & SEA TROUT STATISTICS 2012

    The 2012 statistics show that the total number of salmon and sea trout caught by all methods (including catch and release) was 44,497 salmon and 2,822 sea trout (over 40cm) respectively, which represent a decrease of 1.05% on the total salmon catch recorded in 2011 (44,967) and an increase of 0.82% on the total sea trout catch recorded in 2011 (2,799). 2012 proved a challenging year for both anglers and commercial fishermen with difficult fishing conditions, high water levels and abnormal fish runs at key fishing periods.

    The 2012 angling catch was 34,178 salmon and 2,788 sea trout (over 40cm). Of the 34,178 salmon caught by anglers, 22,287 were harvested and 11,891 subsequently released. For the 2012 season, 89 rivers (including rivers open for catch and release angling) were open or partially open for fishing, and 61
    rivers were completely closed. Commercial fishermen caught 23% of the catch in 2012, compared to 27% in 2011 and recreational anglers caught 77% in 2012 compared to 73% in 2011.

    These statistics assist in generating important marketing information, by providing an insight into annual angling trends, helping to form the basis of marketing strategies and develop new angling initiatives.

    19,588 salmon rod licences were sold to anglers from fifty four different countries which represents a decrease in sales of 1.56% over 2011. The majority of licence sales (66%) were to residents within Ireland, 12% to Northern Ireland and a further 9% of angling licence sales to UK residents with a significant number of anglers also coming from France (4%) and Germany (3%).

    Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report 2012

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