Welsh and Irish Ministers Check out Celtic Sea Trout Project

Sea trout are present in most coastal rivers discharging into the Irish Sea and their status in freshwater and in the marine environment in the Irish Sea is central to the project. By providing detailed information about the status of sea trout stocks, their genetics and their varied life histories the project aims to enhance the fisheries for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Strengthening the contribution of sea trout to rural economies, to general quality of life and well-being, to national biodiversity are also important project aims. Sea trout life history variation may also contribute to understanding the effects of climate change.

For sustainable management the Celtic Sea Trout Project team is working on developing a number of management tools which will assist fisheries managers to assess fishery performance and better manage this valuable species. The requirement to manage sea trout sustainably across the Ireland-Wales interface (i.e. the Irish Sea) was strongly emphasised to both Ministers.

Both Ministers heard that angler engagement across the project has been important to provide sea trout scale samples and that the project has served to increase awareness of the value of this excellent angling species.

Minister Davies, who is Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, was also briefed about the role and broad responsibilities of Inland Fisheries Ireland.