IFI announces Galway Fishery closure due to high water temperatures
- Angling at Galway, Moy and Erriff fisheries all now suspended
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) is notifying anglers of the closure of the Galway Fishery due to high water temperatures.
The fishery on the Corrib River in Galway closed to all angling on Tuesday, May 20th, and until further notice.
Two other fisheries managed by IFI, the Erriff Fishery and the Moy Fishery, are also closed because of elevated water temperatures.
IFI recorded water temperatures of above 20 degrees Celsius at the Galway Fishery twice in the past 24 hours and, as such, IFI has closed the fishery to protect fish from potentially lethal stress.
IFI is guided by scientific advice that indicates a dramatic increase in angling-related mortalities at temperatures above 20 degrees.
Galway Weir on the Galway Fishery, which is now closed to angling
The fishery will re-open once temperatures return to levels where fish will not be thermally stressed, and is conditional on at least two successive water temperature readings of less than 18 degrees Celsius.
Anglers with bookings affected by the closure will be contacted by IFI.
Anglers with season permits for the high bank and OPW beats on the Corrib River in Galway will also be affected by the closure, and fishing must cease until the fishery reopens.
IFI encourages anglers to contact the Galway Fishery to check the latest advice before travelling.
- Galway Fishery: 091 562388, galwayfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
Other fisheries managed by IFI are also recording high temperatures, and anglers are encouraged to contact IFI via the details below for the latest update.
- Cloongee Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
- Ballyvary Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
At fisheries where angling is permissible, anglers should take extra precautions during times of warmer temperatures to minimise the stress on fish such as brown trout and Atlantic salmon.
Anglers using catch-and-release methods are encouraged to limit the exposure of fish to air, or avoid it completely where possible.
The Moy, Galway, Erriff, Cloongee, and Ballyvary fisheries are owned by the State, and operated by IFI.
IFI urges the public to report any instances of distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing, or water pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.
