CONCERN OVER TRAWLERS IN DOLPHIN S.A.C.

THE Project Officer of the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation has said he is deeply concerned about pair trawling that has taken place within the Shannon Estuary Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recent days and has called for fishing to cease immediately in the bottle-nose dolphin stronghold until a full assessment on its impact is carried out.

Dr Simon Berrow said pair trawling is nothing new at this time of year and emphasised that the activity is not illegal. He also said “I have no gripe with the fishermen”, but added that he worries pair trawling could compromise conservation objectives.

The Shannon Estuary is one of just two SACs in Ireland for bottle-nose dolphins and is home to a genetically unique population of an estimated 145 dolphins, some of whom have been known to spend time outside the estuary in places such as Brandon Bay. The site runs from Killaloe to Loop and Kerry Heads and is home to a number of other important species and habitats.

“We don’t think the nets they use for pair trawling are a threat to our dolphins, but we are concerned about the impact removing hundreds of tonnes of sprat could have on this area and the species that feed on sprat,” Dr Berrow said.

“These fishermen are doing nothing wrong and sprat is not subject to quota. I have no gripe with the fisherman.

“But we consider this an activity that could compromise conservation objectives and it should be subject to a full appropriate assessment. As a precautionary principle, these vessels should cease fishing immediately until a full assessment, including consultation with all parties, is carried out.

“We’ve been banging the same drum on this for over a decade now, calling for an assessment. We have a legitimate concern, we want a study, and if they find this activity has no impact, fine. But we need to know.”

The Kerryman had not received a response from the Marine Institute at the time of publication.