Minister to Launch major new publication on Threatened Irish freshwater fish species

Date: 15th June 2005
Time: 1.30pm
Location: Royal Irish Academy,19 Dawson Street,Dublin 2

Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D. - Marine Minister: Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is to launch a special edition of Biology and Environment in recognition of Ireland's unique fish fauna.

On the 27th of April 2001, leading scientists working on rare freshwater fish in Ireland, came together for a one day meeting in Pontoon, Co. Mayo, and presented the most up to date information on these threatened species and their habitats in Ireland. Now almost four years later, with much new material added, these important findings have finally been published in one dedicated volume.

This Special Issue covers the distribution, threats and the conservation status of unique species such as the Irish Pollan, Shads, Arctic char, Smelt and Lampreys. The fact that Ireland should formally recognise atleast three species of brown trout (ferox, gillaroo and sonaghan) is highlighted along with genetic issues. An up-to-date review of problems affecting freshwater fish today, the Irish agencies responsible, relevant legislation and actions required, plus papers on the role of National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Environment &LG make this a significant contribution to the progression of the conservation of freshwater fish in Ireland today .

This volume is essential reading for the angler as much as it is for the fishery manager. The authors have deliberately avoided being too technical, which makes this a very readable book.

Advance booking is advisable as places may be limited (Tel) 01-6762570

Programme

The launch of a special publication on Ireland's threatened freshwater fishes.

Chairperson – Alan McGurdy, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board CEO and IFM rep.

1.30 pm - Opening Launch
Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D. - Marine Minister: Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

1.45 pm – Ireland's most threatened freshwater fishes - What is it all about?
Fran Igoe, Irish Char Conservation Group.

2.00. pm - Freshwater fish conservation in Ireland. What needs to be done?
Mike Fitzsimons, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board.

2.15 pm – Open discussion

2.30 pm - Tea and coffee

Invited speakers

3.00 pm. Brown trout biodiversity in Ireland – origins, conservation, and fisheries management.
Andy Ferguson & Paulo Prodöhl – Queens University Belfast.

3.40 pm. Ferox trout and Arctic char - the predator, its prey and the pursuit.
Ron Greer, Natural Resources Institute, Scotland.

4.20 pm. From edge to edge - diversity, ecology, and threats to circumpolar Arctic char lakes.
Johan Hammar, Freshwater Institute Drottningholm, Sweden/ISACF.

5.00 pm - Reception and discussion