Ireland to host major inter-governmental salmon gathering from tomorrow

• North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation meeting takes place in Co Mayo from June 3-7
   
• Vulnerable Atlantic salmon populations under pressure globally

Sunday, June 2nd, 2024: Ireland will host the world’s foremost international Atlantic salmon conservation forum this week. On behalf of the EU, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is organising the annual meeting of North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) jointly with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Discussions will be attended by government fisheries managers and scientists from around the Atlantic rim including the USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark (in respect of the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Iceland, the EU (including Ireland) and the UK.

A range of accredited non-governmental organisations will also attend.

The week-long NASCO business meeting opens tomorrow June 3rd, and continues until June 7th, at Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo.

The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, said: “The salmon holds a special place in Ireland’s cultural and ecological heritage. In culture it signifies learning and knowledge. In ecology it signifies the importance of ensuring clean rivers and a healthy and resilient environment - both here at home, and globally.

“That is why it is so important that NASCO is focusing on the pressures and risks to migratory Atlantic salmon in our native rivers, and on the marine environment in areas where fish make long journeys to feed before returning as adults to their rivers of birth.

“IFI is committed to international initiatives to best enable this iconic species to survive and thrive. It is vital that Ireland, through the ongoing efforts of IFI, continues to work in harmony and collaboratively-across both management and scientific research-with our partners in NASCO.”

Approximately 100 delegates from different nations are expected to attend the meeting.

Dr Cathal Gallagher Deputy CEO of IFI commented: “Wild salmon numbers returning to Ireland have declined from approximately 1.76 million in 1975 to 171,700 in 2022. This is a catastrophic decrease in less than one generation.

“IFI and the Irish Government are very focused on wild Atlantic salmon conservation through its programmes in research, protection, habitat restoration, and education and outreach.

“Investments have been made in new technologies, boats, and equipment to help combat illegal fishing. A major new National Barriers Programme has commenced, and this work will improve riverine connectivity, which in turn will help migrating salmon and other species."