Climate change's impact on Mayo's fishing community

THE fishing community in Mayo is already experiencing the effects of climate change, particularly in relation to the warming waters of the River Moy.

This unprecedented situation led to the suspension of fishing in June, marking a significant event that was acknowledged by speakers at the inaugural Mary Robinson Climate Conference in Ballina.

During the conference, Minister for Transport and Climate, Eamon Ryan, addressed the audience at the Ballina Arts Centre, emphasising the tangible impact of climate change on areas like Mayo.

Minister Ryan shared a conversation he had with his government colleague, Dara Calleary, regarding the recent suspension of fishing on the Moy due to the exceptionally warm waters. The Green Party leader said it was the first time in Minister Calleary’s memory he heard of such action taken.

The decision to suspend fishing on the River Moy in June by Inland Fisheries Ireland raised significant concerns. The iconic river's extreme warmth necessitated this measure, and it caused alarm among local fishing communities and enthusiasts.

Today, in Ballina, I spoke with two men from Dublin who have been visiting the town every July for the past three decades. They expressed their astonishment at the unusually quiet town they had experienced, stating, "We've never seen a month so quiet in all of our time coming here."