Angling banned as ‘thermal stress’ threat on the rivers could lead to fish-kills
The famous Galway Weir Fishery has had to close until water temperatures fall.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has suspended angling at two of its most famous and prolific salmon fisheries. As from Thursday, June 8, 2023, the Moy Fishery in Ballina, Co. Mayo and the Galway Fishery, in Galway City, are nw shut due to prolonged warm and dry weather conditions.
The recent spell of dry and hot weather has caused water temperatures to exceed the 20⁰C threshold in both locations over a number of days.
Salmon and trout can suffer ‘thermal stress’ arising from the impact of adverse warm weather on them.
Both the Moy and Galway fisheries are owned by the State, and operated by IFI. As a national conservation agency, IFI is mandated to protect the welfare of fish.
Barry Fox Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) commented: “Salmon need cold and clean water to survive and thrive. Low water volumes and high water temperatures can lead to fish kills, as there is less oxygen in the water to allow them to breathe.
“We must now implement our cessation of angling protocols at the Moy and Galway fisheries to protect salmon. It will take some time before water conditions at both locations will revert to normal for the month of June”. He said the situation will be monitored daily before re-opening.
Other State-owned fisheries are being monitored currently. These will also be closed if and when they meet an appropriate threshold where a cessation of angling must be enforced.
Anglers with bookings on the Moy Fishery over the coming days can contact 096 21332 or moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie for more information.
Those with bookings on the Galway Fishery can contact 091 562388, or email: matt.varley@fisheriesireland.ie
Details of the reopening of both fisheries will be published via IFI’s website fisheriesireland.ie and on our Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram social media channels.