Ireland plays role in international research programme to preserve threatened migratory fish
Ireland plays role in international research programme to preserve threatened migratory fish
Thursday 28th March 2019: A new project which aims to promote international action and cooperation to conserve vulnerable migratory fish species is launching today. The DiadES initiative will see 30 partners from different countries participate in this European project with Inland Fisheries Ireland leading out on the project in Ireland.
The project launches as migratory fish and their habitats continue to come under pressure as a result of human activity and climate change. It will focus on fish such as shads, lampreys, salmon, trout and mullet which are known as ‘diadromous’ fish as they migrate between fresh and salt waters to reproduce or feed.
An angler caught Shad
The DiadES initiative intends to improve knowledge of the ecological, economic and cultural benefits offered by these migratory species while assessing the possibility of these species changing their locations due to climate change. It will also examine the emergence of new interactions between fish territories as a result of these relocations.
In addition to collaboration across research and knowledge sharing between countries, the project will take a global multidisciplinary approach. It will focus on several species across different geographical areas and involve researchers in the field of natural sciences, environmental economists as well as an experienced network of fish managers.
As part of the research, a transnational interactive atlas will be produced which will outline the current distribution of diadromous fish and how they help the ecosystem. It will forecast trends in the geographical distribution of various species and look at possible redistribution of some species as a result of climate change. It will also design a platform for stakeholders to explore different management strategies.
Dr Cathal Gallagher, Head of Research and Development said: “Throughout their life cycle, diadromous fish provide ‘ecosystem services’. This means they provide food, regulate and support the ecosystem through the nutrient cycle and offer a recreational pursuit to local communities. All of these fish generate significant ecological, economic and cultural benefits for local communities across Europe.
We are keen to play our role in assessing and enhancing the role these fish play while also assisting them as they navigate the effects of climate change which has resulted in a reduction in their distribution.”
The DiadES project is led by the French research institute Irstea and is financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to the value of €2.2 million. For more information about Inland Fisheries Ireland, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie.
ENDS
For Media Information:
- Órla Sheils Communications Manager
- Inland Fisheries Ireland
- E: orla.sheils@fisheriesireland.ie
- T: (01) 8842673
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About Inland Fisheries Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.
