A heated discussion ensued at the recent gathering of the Limerick Fishery Conservators, presided over by Captain S. C. Vansittart, J.P., as concerns mounted over the potential damage inflicted upon the salmon and other fisheries. The increasing presence of steam trawlers in the estuary of the Shannon.

Mr F. Hall, Inspector of Bailiffs, presented a report signalling the urgency of addressing the matter in the interests of preserving the delicate balance of the Shannon’s fisheries. The primary point of contention was the need to redefine the mouth of the river, a vital step to delineate the boundaries within which these trawlers operate.

Currently, the mouth is vaguely defined from Kilconley Point in Kerry to Kilcordan in Clare, a stretch of nine miles from Loop Head. Mr Hall emphasized that a clear and precise definition, spanning from Loop Head to Kerry Head, was imperative to safeguard the fisheries. The Inspector’s proposal sought to establish a boundary that would better regulate the activities of steam trawlers, which, without adequate supervision, posed a significant threat to the marine ecosystem.

As the discussion unfolded, a notice of motion was introduced by Mr Anthony Mackey, slated for consideration at the next Board meeting. The motion proposed enlisting the Inspectors of Fisheries to redefine the mouth of the Shannon and conduct an inquiry into the boundary’s impact on fisheries in the region. This comprehensive inquiry aimed not only to address the encroachment of steam trawlers, but also to examine the effects of long-line fishing between Lough and Castleconnell.

The growing prevalence of large deep-sea trawlers navigating the estuary raised concerns among the Conservators. The unregulated activities of these vessels posed a direct threat to the local fisheries, depleting fish stocks and disrupting the delicate ecosystem. By expanding the scope of the inquiry, the Fishery Conservators aim to develop measures that will strike a balance between the economic interests of the trawlers and the imperative to sustain the fisheries. These are integral to the region’s natural heritage.

The outcome of the upcoming meeting will likely shape the future strategies employed by the Limerick Fishery Board in their ongoing efforts to protect and sustain the valuable aquatic resources of the Shannon.

Dublin Daily Express – Thursday 08 September 1910