Lough Corrib to be promoted as a new Carp Fishery!

A recent question asked in the Dail.

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

107. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department will support Inland Fisheries Ireland in any potential marketing campaign to promote Lough Corrib SAC as a carp fishery for angling tourism-purposes, considering the recent finding of carp in the lake; and if he will make a statement on the matter.


 

Eamon Ryan

Answer:

My officials have liaised with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) on this matter.

IFI has informed me that one common carp (Cyprinus Carpio ) was recorded in Lough Corrib during stock management operations but that no other common carp have been recorded in fish stock surveys of the lake to date.

Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) is one of four fish species listed as a non-native species subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 [SI. 477]. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to support any potential marketing campaign to facilitate a fishery for a non-native species in a Special Area of Conservation.