IFI announces almost €50k grant for new salmon and sea trout project in Mayo
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced funding for a project in Mayo aimed at restoring salmon and sea trout stocks and their habitats.
IFI's Habitats and Conservation Scheme has awarded €49,631 to the Sea to Source project, run in partnership with the Sláinte Research Group at the University of Limerick.
The project will focus on the upper Owenduff River catchment, along with the Owenduff and Baunduff rivers.
The initiative builds on previous research into the factors affecting young salmon and trout populations in these rivers.
Sea to Source will take a whole-ecosystem approach to improving river health. Native trees will be planted, and large woody debris, such as fallen trees and branches, will be placed in the rivers.
Fencing will also go in along the riverbanks to keep livestock out of the water, protecting the banks, plants, and water quality from damage.
Dr Eamonn Kelly, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, said healthy fish populations in Ireland's rivers and lakes make an important contribution to the economic and social fabric of the country's villages, towns and cities.
He said IFI's Habitats and Conservation Scheme aims to protect and develop this community resource, and that he was pleased IFI was partnering with communities and stakeholders through the scheme to help restore resilient habitats for new generations of freshwater fish.
Since 2016, IFI has provided €9.6 million to groups nationwide and fisheries development experts through the Habitats and Conservation Scheme.
The competitive scheme supports sustainable initiatives to help ensure native salmon and sea trout survive and thrive amid the ongoing challenges they face in the wild.
It comprises IFI's Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund and the Midlands Fisheries Fund.
Funding for the scheme comes from the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences and permits, and commercial fishing licences in Ireland.
A national list of this year's successful applicants is available on the IFI website.