Traditional Interdependent Sustainability
It was interesting to read that Donegal’s Island fishermen are to heighten their campaign against fishing bans including salmon.
A vision, commitment and strategy are required to ensure that sufficient salmon have free passage to their spawning burns and that sufficient fish re able to spawn, to ensure abundant future generations. Crucially mainland spawning burns need to be protected and prioritised as Atlantic salmon producing habitat. Since Island communities have few rivers of their own the campaign would benefit by co operating with mainland angling clubs dedicated to improving salmon runs. Much of the investment to improve salmon runs comes from well run angling clubs.
Any exploitation of returning salmon needs to be conservative and aware of the bigger picture which will include accommodating the needs of conservation minded angling clubs to ensure that conservation and sustainability goals are achieved. That will contribute to more fish in years to come. Sustainability is a long game and will secure a better future for Irish salmon, salmon anglers in Ireland, local Irish mainland communities and Irish island communities.
Brendan Kerr
Natural Living Assets
0044 7852 685 854
3 The Lawn
Carrick
Co Donegal