Central and Regional Fisheries Boards
Wild Salmon Carcass Tagging and Logbook Scheme
Information for Anglers
Introduction
The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources for the Republic of Ireland has introduced a Carcass Tagging and Logbook Scheme for commercial and recreational salmon catches. This scheme is to be administered by the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards.
This leaflet provides information on the tagging scheme for the General Public and for persons engaged in catering.
From January 1st 2001 all salmon fishing licence holders (Anglers and Commercial) must affix a gill tag to:
- all salmon
- sea trout over 40 cm
they catch and retain. These tags will identify salmon and sea trout (over 40 cm), which have been caught legally, and will therefore allow for an enumeration of the catch.
The angler will be able to obtain their licence from Regional Fisheries Board Headquarters and rod licence distributors. On payment of the rod licence ee, the angler will be given:
The relecant rod licence
A logbook or a one day angling return form
5 gill tags for an annual or 21 day licence or 3 gill tags for a one day licence
A business Reply envelope will be provided for return of the logbook and unused tags to the relevant Regional Fisheries Board.
A plastic wallet for the logbook.
The tag
The tag to be used by anglers is a blue plastic self-locking device. Each tag is embossed with a code identifying the region in which that tag was issued and tag number.
Tags issued to the holder of a rod licence may be used in any region in wgich the licence is valid
Fishermen should carefully not the following concerning tht use of these tags:
Each rod licence holder will be issued tags for his/her use only. Tags are not transferable between licence holders or between different licences held by the same person.
These tags shall not be re-used.
One tag shall be attached to each salmon and sea trout (over 40 cm) caught and retained.
Tags must be attached immediately on landing the fish.
Tags shall be attached through the gill opening and mouth and securely locked around the gill cover as shown in the illustration below.
Lost and accidentally destroyed tags may be replaced upon presentation of a signed declaration completed by the angler and signed by and Authorised Officer of a Regional Fisheries Board.
Additional tags shall be issued on presentation of logbook information showing that the licence holder has used the gill tags issued to him or her.
Gill tags shall only be removed from the fish at the time of processing in accordance with the Tagging Scheme Regulations. For the purposes of this scheme processing includes: smoking, marinating or cooking the fish, gutting and freezing the fish or cutting any steaks, cutlets or portions of the fish.
The Logbook
On receipt of tags the angler will also receive a logbook. Details of the gill tags issued to angler will be entered into the angler's logbook by the issuing agent.
Each fisherman shall:
Have the logbook in his/her possession while fishing for salmon or sea trout
Record their catch on a daily basis at the end of each fishing trip or before midnight on each day where fishing lasts for more than one day and record details of fish retailed or otherwise retained.
Record details of any lost or damaged tags
Declare lost or damaged logbooks to the relevant Regional Fisheries Board