In light of the current situation with the risk of farm animals being infected with FMD, FISSTA have postponed all angling activities until further notice. FISSTA advise all our affiliated Clubs/Associations to close their fisheries for angling both to all including tourists and their own members until further notice. All angling clubs must cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure our farming industry is protected as much as possible from this epidemic.

FISSTA SAY - If in doubt, check with your local farmers.

Fahey Urges Utmost Caution from Anglers
Department Issues Stringent Foot and Mouth Control Guidelines

Thursday, 22 March 2001Frank Fahey T.D., Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has today announced stringent guidelines in relation to angling and Foot and Mouth Disease Controls. The guidelines will be applicable from midnight tonight when the ban on angling is lifted.

The Minister urged those involved in angling to observe the guidelines with the utmost care saying, "The news this morning from Co. Louth has been a major disappointment to everyone in the country. However, I have considered the lifting of the ban on angling very carefully with my colleagues in Government and in consultation with the various interested parties. I am confident that the measures now being taken reflect a sensible and balanced approach to what is a very difficult situation."

The Department’s guidelines follow the recommendations of the Expert Group in relation to FMD controls and have been prepared by the Minister’s Department in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. They are applicable to all persons involved in the angling sector including domestic and visiting anglers, fisheries boards, private fishery owners and tourism angling promoters.

The guidelines advise anglers to refrain from fishing where this involves entry onto land to which animals of susceptible species and further recommend the postponement of all angling competitions. In addition, the guidelines discourage anglers from the UK and other countries where FMD infection has been confirmed from traveling to Ireland.

Minister Fahey added, "I would urge all anglers to observe the guidelines with the utmost diligence. If we all strive together, as we have done to date, I am confident we can keep this menace at bay."

These guidelines are subject to ongoing review and/or change.

The following guidelines are based on the recommendations of the Expert Group in relation to FMD controls and have been prepared by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. The guidelines are applicable to all persons involved in the angling sector including domestic and visiting anglers, fisheries boards, private fishery owners and tourism angling promoters.

The content and application of the guidelines will be kept under constant review particularly in the light of further recommendations of the Expert Group which is now faced with the reality that the FMD virus is present in Ireland.

Prohibitions

Anglers should, until further notice, refrain from fishing where this involves entry onto land to which animals of susceptible species may have had access since 1 February 2001. Susceptible species are cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer.

Eel fishing should not take place until further notice.

All angling competitions should be postponed for the present due to the likelihood of attracting persons who are in the highest risk groups for the spread of the FMD virus.

Fishing activity should not take place within any area declared by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to be a restricted zone.

Where angling is permitted

Prior to undertaking fishing activities, the operators of angling facilities, including sea angling, should consult with their local regional fisheries board in relation to fishing access points and fishing protocols. Angling clubs and individual anglers should consult with their local regional fisheries board in relation to specific areas of intended fishing activity prior to commencing fishing. The Fisheries Boards will assist in designating suitable fishing areas where practicable.

Baits

Anglers who wish to use baits consisting of organic material e.g. maggots, larvae, worms, etc., should only use such baits where they can be sure that all the material has been sourced in the State and not from a restricted zone. Imported organic baits should not be used.

Tourist anglers

Anglers from the UK and other countries where FMD infection has been confirmed should be discouraged from traveling to Ireland especially those who may have had any contact with susceptible species.

Fisheries owners and managers

Fisheries owners and managers should ensure that access to their fisheries is confined to anglers who comply with these guidelines and any guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Fisheries Boards

Fisheries Boards may resume stocking and transfer of fish where necessary subject to non-entry onto agricultural land and the use of disinfectant in accordance with Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development guidelines. Fisheries Board staff should continue to avoid unnecessary entry onto agricultural land. Where entry onto agricultural land is necessary they shall comply with the guidelines issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

Disinfection procedures

Operators of angling facilities should comply with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development guidelines regarding appropriate disease control notices and disinfection facilities. In addition, those in the highest risk groups (i.e. those involved in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors) along with people from restricted zones must follow the specific guidelines for these groups issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.