Passionate fisherman, Andy Hill, failed to catch anything while lure angling on the Moy – Ireland’s most distinguished salmon fishery – contrary to its reputation for yielding abundant catches. Hill’s unsuccessful attempt, however, was not down to inept angling skills or misfortune, having been an active fisherman for over four decades. He instead fell prey to the alarming decrease in wild salmon numbers returning from the northern Atlantic to their birthplaces in the Irish rivers – a journey as old as the Ice Age.
Regarded as a calamity by experts, Inland Fisheries Ireland, a government agency, has reported that the influx of the esteemed silver fish to their spawning grounds has reduced to a mere tenth of the 1.76 million it had in 1975. Now, only an estimated 171,000 make their way back.
The Salmon of Knowledge, held in high regard in native Irish folklore for encompassing all the knowledge in the world, underscores the country’s failure to preserve a emblematic species and tourism magnet, appearing irresponsible and unwise.
However, Ireland’s efforts to reverse the status quo face significant challenges. The country alone cannot mitigate the impact of ocean warming – a significant problem not unique to Ireland – despite its deleterious effect on the salmon population.
Nevertheless, environmental changes only account for part of the issue, according to Cathal Gallagher, deputy chief executive of Inland Fisheries Ireland, who believes it’s crucial to address “manageable” problems. Threats faced by the salmon population include pollutants from fertilisers, avalanches of sea lice from fish farms, river contamination, and predators.
To add to the plight, the alarming decline in the salmon population has coincided with Ireland’s disappointing progress in attaining pivotal climate targets.
The quality of water in the nation is swiftly diminishing, with the best projected reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 being a mere 29 per cent, which is significantly lower than the mandatory target of 51 per cent. This shortfall could result in huge financial penalties from the European Union. Despite the suitability for offshore wind in Ireland, its implementation has been lagging.
Polls indicate that Irish citizens consider ecological matters to be of immediate importance and are growing increasingly anxious, hoping for more interventions. Nevertheless, in the most recent local and European elections, the Green Party saw a significant loss in support: they lost half of their council seats and both their MEPs.
The Irish housing crisis reveals that enhancing supply does not necessarily result in improved affordability. Ireland’s three-party ruling coalition, where the Green Party, despite having pushed for environmental policies and enshrined climate targets into law, are uncertain to maintain their place post the expected general elections this forthcoming autumn.
The recent drastic fall in salmon population epitomises what’s at risk when environmental concerns are disregarded by elected officials and voters. As per David Whitren, a fishery owner of the Boyne river and a fisherman for 85 years, many rivers have deteriorated to such a point where recovery seems unlikely.
While recreational fishing contributes nearly €1bn annually to the Irish economy and sustains approximately 11,000 jobs, local anglers affirm that more should be done for the preservation and restoration of fish stocks. Suggestions include implementing exclusively catch-and-release fishing, initiating hatcheries, and managing predators such as seals and cormorants who have been spotted several miles upriver.
According to veteran angler Ronan Collins, the salmon population is at risk of extinction in Irish waters. Others argue that given the precarious future of the salmon, Ireland should be more conscious of the natural legacy upon which its international reputation is built.
Collins argues that the Irish are merely paying superficial homage to the recognition that salmon holds. He challenges them to consider, whilst they express pride and affection for this iconic species, how much they’re genuinely investing back in themselves. This content is under the copyright of The Financial Times Limited 2024.