At the meeting of the review of an ‘inter federation fisheries legislation 2014 ‘meeting attended by TAFI, FISSTA, SSTRAI, NARA, IFPAC, IFSA In HIlton hotel Kilimainham this evening, TAFI and FISSTA withdrew from the meeting when the other Federations were unable to support a joint TAFI and FISSTA motion urging IFI to desist from harassment of and interference with local anglers in pursuit of their recreational activity on the Gweebarra river.
Signed Charles Kennedy Tafi
Fissta asked Minister Coveney if he will leave no trace behind in his ten mega fish farm plan as his use of the word “sustainable” has a new and different meaning to what angler stakeholders and food buyers understand. Minister Coveney replied that “I am aware and acknowledge FISSTA’s viewpoint as representing the biggest sport in Ireland. We are looking at aquaculture development in a complete new context where coastal communities are enriched. In the past 5 years to 2013 there was no new licenses issued. Last year I approved 137 and this year up to 200 will be granted”. He did not add that they were shellfish and not salmon farm licenses.
FISSTA spoke to and lobbied the following Government Members today:
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD who assured us that no matter what new marine plans are implemented, the wild Atlantic salmon would be protected.
Ministers for wild salmon Pat Rabbite TD and Fergus O’Dowd along with Science minister Sean Sherlock all know what they will face if that wonderful resource called the wild Atlantic salmon are hammered by pollution from fish farming. A good opportunity to lobby even though a major talk keg point was the absence of our wild salmon and seatrout managers IFI from what was a very important day for the Irish marine.
Surely the fishery management system is badly broken If it takes 2 Garda patrol squads and 4 IFI fishery jeeps to observe law abiding anglers every time our members go salmon fishing on the Gweebarra.
Thanks to both Donegal politicians Thomas Pringle TD last week, and today Pearce Doherty TD calling on the IFI fishery staff to desist from their heavy handed tactics of confronting anglers at the river and allow time for the courts to resolve the case of the taking of our Gweebarra waters. It is now time for all other politicians to follow their lead and support the local angling structure that develop fisheries through our volunteer angling clubs.
DOHERTY CALLS FOR FISHING AUTHORITIES TO STEP BACK FROM CONFRONTATION
Published on June 16th, 2014
Pearse Doherty meets Charles Kennedy
Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has called on fishery bosses to engage new methods in an effort to end a long-running dispute with local anglers.
He was speaking after meeting Charles Kennedy, Chairperson of the Trout Angler??????s Federation of Ireland, in Leinster House in relation to the ongoing dispute regarding fishing rights in the Gweebarra river.
The Sinn F?????in TD for Donegal South West said ??????The dispute between the local Anglers and IFI has been long running now for 8 years and is currently before the High Court.
??????The approach of IFI officials in recent weeks has further divided rather than united the parties and, if ongoing, is likely to result in the escalation of the dispute in the coming weeks.
??????I am calling on the IFI to step back from the confrontational nature of their dealings with the local fishermen and engage in a different approach.
??????I am aware that offers of dialogue have been made by representatives of the local anglers and I am calling on the IFI to accept these offers and enter into meaningful dialogue in order to resolve this issue.
??????I intend to make contact with the CEO of IFI in order to discuss this matter in the near future in the hope that appropriate action can be taken to ensure that this dispute can be resolved.??????
