Press release 2 May 2011

Inland Fisheries Ireland launches Fisheries Awareness Week

Photo: Something fishy was going on in Galway, when these young anglers made an unusual catch. They were helping to launch Fisheries Awareness Week, which runs from May 7th to 15th. Check www.faw.ie for a full listing of events in your area

Following from last year’s hugely successful event Inland Fisheries Ireland will again run Fisheries Awareness Week in 2011. This year it will take place slightly earlier in May with activities taking place from May 7th  to 15th nationally. To mark the launch a group of children were taken to a secret spot on the Clare River, Co. Galway where they caught their very own salmon of knowledge. The children, natives of the City of Tribes, were delighted to be out and about on the River and could not believe their luck when they reeled in the golden fish. Commenting on the unique capture Amanda Mooney, Director Inland Fisheries Ireland, Galway said “This is what Fisheries Awareness Week is all about. Children are natural anglers and have a fascination with our watery environments. Fisheries Awareness Week gives them an opportunity to learn to fish or hone their skills in a safe, well managed setting while learning more about fish and their habitat. And of course there are plenty of opportunities for ‘older kids’ to get involved too.”

Fisheries Awareness Week aims to encourage youths and adults alike to take up the pastime of angling but also works with existing anglers to heighten their awareness of the environment. The event is run by Inland Fisheries Ireland in conjunction with fishing clubs, charter boat skippers and private fishery owners. Events include game, coarse and sea angling demonstrations, river walks, deep sea angling trips, open days at fishery facilities, and much more. This year there are over 50 events in 23 counties across the island of Ireland. With so many events in so many locations why not try something new during Fisheries Awareness Week.

Events will be taking place nationwide from Saturday 7th of May to Sunday 15th May inclusive. Events are free and open to all, with family fun a priority. Check out events in your area by logging on to www.faw.ie
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Media enquiries

Amanda Mooney,
Director Inland Fisheries Ireland, Galway
Teach Breac,
Earl's Island,
Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)91 563118
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.faw.ie

Notes to Editor

Fisheries Awareness Week is an Inland Fisheries Ireland initiative aimed at increasing participation in angling,  raising awareness of inland fisheries and sea angling and promoting the activities of IFI.
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 will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.
Inland Fisheries Ireland replaces the Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards.