Scientific Survey Of Lough Erne Pike

Scientific Survey Of Lough Erne Pikexa0 Inland Fisheries Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced details of the initial findings of a survey of pike stocks in Lower Lough Erne. In welcoming the report, the Minister said:xa0“In recent years there has been intense interest in the state of pike stocks in Lough Erne and consequently I commissioned the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to carry out a scientific survey and provide me with advice. “The findings of the survey undertaken by AFBI are encouraging in that pike stocks in Lower Lough Erne are at a comparable level to those in the 1990s when similar surveys were carried out. The results also indicate that there has been a small increase in the average size of the pike caught compared to the 1990s.” The Minister added:xa0“This initial survey is one part of a wider ongoing scientific monitoring and assessment of the Lough Erne fishery being undertaken by AFBI and will inform my Department’s management of both recreational angling and commercial fishing on the Lough.xa0 “Lough Erne is one of the most important areas in the North for recreational angling and a world-renowned attraction for tourists. It is vital that we protect and nurture our natural resources, including fish stocks. “Scientific advice is at the core of my Department’s approach to the management of fisheries. I look forward to receiving the completed survey by end of January 2014. It will inform the future management of the fishery including the development of a Fisheries Management Plan.”