Inland Fisheries Ireland and Cairde na Chláir, representing four of its angling clubs on the Clare River, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU ) to enable both parties to collaborate on the conservation and development of brown trout and salmon and their habitat on the Clare River.
Sean Canney TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, welcomed the formalisation of this partnership supporting fisheries conservation and development.
The MOU is a declaration of a commitment from both parties to the development of a five year plan that is focused on the conservation and development of brown trout and salmon and their habitat on the Clare River in the Western River Basin District. It will enable a closer working relationship between both parties and recognises that conservation of the species and its habitat as the core guiding principle of this relationship. The MOU was signed by Richard Jordan on behalf of the Cairde na Chláir and co-signed by the participating angling clubs and Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Due to current public health measures, parties will commence work on meeting the objectives of the MOU via virtual meetings.
Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Minister Canney said: “I fully support the signing of this MOU which represents the formalisation of a long standing collaborative relationship between Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Cairde na Chláir. This partnership is significant not just for the two organisations but for the Western River Basin District and the MOU will act as the motivation to develop the five year plan but also to further incentivise future collaborations and projects”.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Collaboration has become an important focus for Inland Fisheries Ireland. During a time when we see the changes to our natural environment from the impact of climate change, this partnership agreement will work to ensure a plan is formed to maximise sustainable benefit for the species. Today Inland Fisheries Ireland will begin working with the Cairde na Chláir to develop a management plan for brown trout and salmon on the Clare River in the Western River Basin District. This plan will form the basis of the works we will do together and identify projects that would be suitable for the cause of this MOU. Both parties hold the value of conservation and development of fisheries at the core of their organisation. We look forward to working with the clubs that comprise the Cairde na Chláir, learning from one another and developing joint initiatives at a time when collaborative work is critical for the future of our fisheries resource.”
Richard Jordan on behalf of the Cairde na Chláir said: “We welcome the signing of this MOU between clubs of Cairde na Chlair and Inland Fisheries Ireland to begin the process of creating a five year plan for the conservation and development of our brown trout and salmon. The Cairde na Chláir clubs involved in this MOU are the Milltown Anglers, Cregmore Athenry Anglers, St Colmans Anglers and the Tuam Anglers Association. The formalisation of this MOU marks an important consolidation of our working relationship with Inland Fisheries Ireland.”
For more information about Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie
