12/10/2026
Please find link to Salmon Watch Ireland’s submission on the proposed management of wild Atlantic salmon from 2027. We welcome the direction of the reforms and propose measures to strengthen conservation while maintaining responsible angling access.
Our main proposals are:
A 75% assessment probability and a spawning target of 110% of the Conservation Limit, with harvest permitted only where scientific advice identifies a manageable surplus above that target.
No harvest before 1 April. Thereafter, retention would be subject to river opening dates, scientific advice and quotas, with a national maximum of three salmon annually and one per day. Between 1 April and 31 May, no more than one salmon below 70 cm could be retained, only where explicit scientific advice supports spring harvest. It would count towards the three-fish annual limit.
All salmon measuring 70 cm or greater must be released throughout the season. Single or double barbless hooks would be required during mandatory catch-and-release periods and once the applicable retention allowance is reached.
Commercial netting cessation supported by targeted hardship assistance. Pending cessation, a maximum three-day fishing week, four consecutive net-free days and a commercial season restricted to 1 June–31 July.
Catch-and-release access from normal opening dates, subject to statutory authorisation, river-specific assessment and environmental safeguards.
Stronger enforcement and public reporting, alongside funded action on water quality, habitat, barriers and the transition away from open-net salmon farming.
Harvest restrictions should remain until significant and sustained stock recovery is demonstrated. A single strong season should not trigger relaxation, and deteriorating returns should lead to tighter protection.
We would welcome your support for these proposals and will seek an opportunity to discuss their implementation with the Minister and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
