Freshwater Fish Conservation in the Irish Republic: A Review of Pressures and Legislation Impacting on Conservation Efforts

Abstract

Ireland's freshwater fish fauna, which is less diverse than that of the UK or mainland Europe, was historically dominated by salmonids. Subsequent changes to the species community in many waters has occurred due to a combination of human influences, including non-indigenous fish introductions, water pollution and habitat alterations. However, intact postglacial fish communities still remain in many parts of the country, and maintaining the biodiversity of these communities is of particular importance. It is argued that the genetic diversity within species such as brown trout needs to be recognised by state agencies and fishery managers and that separate species recognition is appropriate in some instances. The paper discusses the development of freshwater fish conservation in the Irish Republic today and deal specifically with the main state agencies entrusted with their conservation, the Fisheries Boards. The paper reviews the more significant pieces of legislation at the disposal of the Fisheries Boards and other environmental authorities and highlight areas that require further attention. Irish planning legislation and some of the problems currently being encountered by Fisheries Boards in relation to the planning process are also examined.