Minister Launches Salmon Conservation Fund – Contributors Scheme – 2012-13

Minister Fergus O Dowd is delighted to announce the opening of the ‘2012-13 Salmon Conservation Fund – Contributors Scheme’, which has an initial allocation of €200,000 available for projects which help in the conservation of Wild Atlantic Salmon. Applications are invited from clubs, fishery owners, individuals and commercial salmon fishermen who have contributed to the fund by March 15th, 2013.

The scheme, which was run on a pilot basis for the previous two years has been a success to date, with projects from all over Ireland awarded funding. Applicants work with Inland Fisheries Ireland to agree projects and many have been successful in securing LEADER funding also.

Minister Fergus O Dowd has visited many fisheries projects and has praised the work done by those interested in salmon conservation stating “ I never cease to be impressed by the work enthusiastic, passionate anglers and individuals can get done, ensuring that our natural resource is conserved and protected for future generations. The long term effect will ensure biodiversity and improved stocks of salmon from which Ireland can derive economic benefit through recreational angling, and commercial exploitation in years to come”.

Details of the scheme can be downloaded from  http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Salmon-Management/salmon-conservation-fund-application.html

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Media enquiries: Suzanne Campion ,Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland,
Anglesea Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971; Email suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Notes to the Editor

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI promotes, supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. It also develops and advises the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling. www.fisheriesireland.ie