Trout anglers in the west are seeking enhanced controls to counter the threat posed by predatory fish in a number of lakes.
They are concerned that a review of controls by Inland Fisheries Ireland could result in a depletion of native stocks in the coming years.
As part of its remit regarding lakes in the west, IFI is examining pike management policies on wild brown trout fisheries on Lough Conn, Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.
The agency says that no decisions have been made at this stage and that the review is ongoing. It maintains that scientific evidence, public consultations and international best practice will inform future policy.
The Connacht Angling Council has warned that any reduction in existing controls will have a huge impact on the lakeland ecosystem and on angling tourism.
More than 200 fishermen from around the region gathered to discuss the issue in Oughterard, Co Galway last night.
The meeting heard calls for continued pike management on the lakes.
Anglers say the predatory characteristics of pike mean they can eat up to 18kg of trout a year. They contend that if pike numbers increase, trout stocks will rapidly diminish.
Locals say that controls have been in place for more than 100 years and that if culling is reduced, wild brown trout will not be able to survive.
We're going to need a bigger boat... Anglers want culls on western lakes to stop pesky pike from gobbling trout. More on @rtenews pic.twitter.com/5AQjFSuGta
— Pat McGrath (@patmcgrath) September 21, 2017
