It was with great sadness that the salmonid world learned of the sudden death of Professor Graham Shaw. Mr. Shaw, who was Chairman of Save Our Sea Trout (SOS), died on Tuesday, September 3rd 2002. 

Graham was an extraordinary man who fought for the conservation of the wild Atlantic Salmon, but most of all for his beloved sea trout. He fought a fearless and  unswerving campaign to halt the decline in sea trout, a decline which he firmly believed was caused by the infestation of  the species from sea lice which came from salmon farming practices. 

While Graham was always ready to fight in the front line, he was also exceptionally generous in helping and advising others who espoused his cause. His extensive scientific knowledge was the key weapon in his armoury and he could always be relied upon for consultation at any time. 

It is indeed a testament to his work that other countries sought his extensive databank of research to prove the case against sea lice infestation and pollution caused by  thousands of genetically bred salmon packed into sea cages. His documentation will continue to be cited at international salmonid conferences for many years to come.  Graham Shaw marvelled in the magic that the sea trout brought to every generation and never ceased to flag the decimation of a species which will soon be lost to our heritage if drastic measures are not urgently taken to reverse this impending man-made environmental disaster.

Sadly, Graham and all connected with the Save Our Sea Trout (SOS) organisation, shared the frustration of frequent defeat as the present disasters of Donegal and Clew Bays come to light.  The lack of any significant success impacts on the salmonid habitat over the years as the finfish industry continues to charge ahead with full support from Government and EU grants.  

Memories of Graham will be recalled in the coming days as we all come to terms with such a massive loss to our cause. 

In January of this year he received the applause and heartfelt thanks of his legion of admirers when he was presented in Galway City with an IASC Trophy. This well-deserved honour was bestowed on Graham by the National Salmon Commisison in recognition of his contribution to the conservation of sea trout.

However, members of FISSTA will always remember his excellent speech delivered  at their annual general meeting in Athlone last November. Graham told his audience on that occasion that the Irish Government was resisting all SOS pressure by refusing to order the relocation of finfish cages away from the estuaries so that sea lice pollution could be reduced. The Norwegian Government has already done this in 38 fjords and as over 75 per cent of the fish farms in Irish bays are Norwegian owned, Professor Graham Shaw believed that this should also be a rule of production in Ireland.  

Graham Shaw, a former Vice-Chairman of FISSTA, dedicated his whole life to the battle to save our beloved sea trout. While his warnings of the potential dangers of salmon farming have gone largely unheeded to-date by those in authority, he has left behind an oganisation fortified by his spirit, an organisation determined to reap the success from the seeds that he has sown.  It will be no consolation at some time in the future to be told that he was right, when there are no sea trout returning to our rivers and lakes. We must continue to fight and ensure that the wonderful, generous and tireless work of Graham Shaw has not been in vain.     We extend our sympathies to his wife Sandra, and sons David and Gordon. 

 Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dhilis. - May he rest in peace. 

FISSTA AFFILATED CLUB DARGLE ANGLERS ADDS: 

Graham Shaw, succeeded the renowned Conservationist Eamonn de Buitleir as President of The Dargle Anglers two years ago after many years as an active and highly informed member of our committee. The respect he earned from not just his club colleagues and anglers everywhere matched the knowledge and good humour that he brought to angling. He was an exemplary supporter of our Club outings throughout Ireland and his advice and commitment on all matters related to the development of Sea Trout and Salmon Angling on the Dargle River was most certainly our greatest Club asset.  He was an exceptional Ambassador for The Dargle Anglers- representing not just our Club's views but those of all good anglers in Ireland- especially those committed to the conservation of Sea Trout Stocks. 

He will be remembered always as a  True Conservationist - the likes of whom Ireland more so today than ever cannot afford to lose. 

We extend to his widow Sandra and Sons Gordon and David the sincere condolences of all our members and friends. 

May he Rest in Peace. 

DARGLE ANGLERS ASSOCIATION