THE RIVER SHANNON EEL FISHERY

Abstract

The River Shannon has supported important eel fisheries for many centuries but following the construction of hydroelectric dams on the lower reaches in 1928, the immigration of elvers was seriously impeded. An additional elver pass was constructed in 1958 and during the following year a development programme was established, involving overland transport of elvers to regions upstream of the dams. During the 1940s the annual catch of silver eels averaged 17.8 tonnes, but this decreased to 9.6 tonnes during the 1950s. Following the commencement of the elver restocking programme, catches began to increase steadily from an average of 19.3 tonnes during the 1960s to 33.0 tonnes in the 1970s and 47.3 tonnes in the 1980s with apparent stabilisation at this level in recent years.

Extensive long-line fishing for eels took place until 1968 when fishing for yellow eels was banned by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), the fishery owners. However a limited amount of yellow eel fishing has been permitted since 1983. Catches increased from 2.9 tonnes in 1983 to 10.2 tonnes in 1992. Additional licences have been issued in 1993. The main markets are Germany for large silver eels and the Netherlands for small and medium-sized silver and yellow eels.

Current and previous management programmes are discussed, together with proposed future plans for the development of the fishery. A review of the economic and socio-economic aspects of the fishery are also reviewed.