PAC National Committee Statement re Ireland

The National Committee has read with interest the various views being expressed on internet forums and elsewhere regarding matters pertaining to pike and pike fishing in Ireland. This statement has been prepared reflecting the position of the National Committee.

The Irish Republic

The present geographic remit of the Pike Anglers Club does not currently encompass the Irish Republic. The Club was formerly known as the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain and Ireland but this changed with the formation of the Irish Pike Society in 1993. Sadly the IPS was adversely affected by the untimely death of the IPS Chairman David Overy.

The current position of the PAC is not to reincorporate the Irish Republic into the club. We are aware of the potential formation of a Conservation Orientated organisation there with similar objectives and principles to PAC. Clearly the existing organisation representing pike anglers in the Republic namely the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs has shown itself to be more concerned with running pike matches than in pike care and conservation per se and hence do not fulfil the necessary role that PAC fulfils in the UK.

We hope in time to see the emergence of an Irish led pike welfare organisation in the Irish Republic and will both watch and support developments to that end closely. In the event this does not transpire the National Committee will review matters in conjunction with its membership in Ireland and also represent the interests of the many GB based pike anglers who fish in Ireland.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is well served by PAC members with circa 100 members of the club residing there. This level of activity to our mind reflects both the level of interest in pike fishing in this part of the UK as well as the threats increasingly posed to it from various sources.

Originally there was a single PAC Region in Northern Ireland but following the 2008 AGM of Region 43 this region has since closed and a new Region 111 started up.

The PAC’s officers in Northern Ireland are George Higgins as Liaison Officer and Robbie Marsh as Regional Organiser RA 111. We have confidence and faith in these two members to look after PAC interests in the North and are in regular contact with them.

No other individuals are authorised by the National Committee to deal with authorities and other bodies on behalf of the PAC in Northern Ireland.

For avoidance of doubt the PAC do not support the Erne Classic Pike event.

Furthermore we have appointed two members of the National Committee to deal with related matters in Ireland these being John Cahill for the North and Phil Wakeford for the Republic. They will of course work closely together.

Barrels

The strong following for pike matches throughout the island of Ireland has resulted in the perceived need to retain live pike for later "weighing in" and verification of the catch by "permitted methods" by match officials to prevent false claims being made. This is particularly relevant when considering the large value prizes that some of the open matches offer.

The PAC of GB would like to make it publicly known that we are in total opposition to the practice of retaining pike in barrels.Where the club has engaged with match organisers we have been unable to date to change their minds in relation to the use of barrels. We would much prefer alternative methods were adopted such as trusting anglers to report catches correctly, retention in suitable 'carp sacks' for as short a time period as in necessary or adoption of methods used elsewhere such as photographic evidence alongside approved measuring tapes/sticks.

Despite our opposition, if barrels are still to be adopted in a particular match then the welfare of the pike must be aided by considerations such as size of barrel, freshness and volume of water, temperature of water/air plus levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). The use of undersize aeration devices clearly will be next to useless in increasing the DO within a large volume of water i.e. 100 litres and we criticise quasi scientific reports promoted by bodies seeking to validate the use of barrels.

We also have reservations whilst angling afloat with a barrel of water. We leave the organisers to confirm to participants that this practice is Health and Safety compliant for insurance purposes.

Gill Netting

PAC continues to be adamantly opposed to the so-called "management of pike stocks" as has been practiced in certain Irish waters by Regional Fisheries Boards such as on the Great Western Loughs. We are particularly critical of the use of gill nets in which not only fish suffer (they are also indiscriminate in species selection) but also birds and in some cases otters.

Illegal Fish Removal

We sympathise greatly with anglers and fishing clubs in Ireland whose local waters are being targeted by poachers using a variety of capture methods including nets and long lines.

The current Byelaw 809 (2006) in the Republic provides the following:

1) A bag limit of one pike in any one day

2) Prohibits the killing of more than one pike greater than 50 cm in any one day

3) Makes it illegal to be in the possession of more than one Pike <> 0.75 kg of Pike flesh

We would welcome tougher enforcement of existing laws by the authorities. Recent successful prosecutions give us cause for some hope in this area.

The upcoming review of the Marine Bill in the UK is hoped to have a similar outcome with regard to protection of dwindling pike stocks but the key to success will as ever be with enforcement of the law often in adverse circumstances, in remote places and often at night.

---

Enquiries in relation to this announcement can be directed to:

Phil Wakeford, PACGB President re matters relating the the Irish Republic

John Cahill, PACGB Membership Secretary re matters relating to Northern Ireland

Chris Bishop - Press enquiries..

A 20lbs fly-caught pike on the radio

A 20lbs fly-caught pike is one of the highlights of BBC Radio Ulster's Days Like This slot, where presenters talk about a memorable day in their lives.

Click here to listen on BBC iPlayer. Hat tip Daniel Cook for posting a link on the PAC Forums.

Neville heads to Northern Ireland

Neville Fickling is set to share some of the ups and downs of his incredible pike fishing career with RA111 over in Northern Ireland in the new year. You can catch up with him at Armagh Community Centre on Thursday, January 8.

See flyer for more details of what promises to be a well-attended evening's entertainment.

River Quoile fish kill - latest

The BBC tonight reports on the fish kill in Ireland's River Quoile, as officials blamed heavy rain for washing what was described as plant material into the waterway, near Downpatrick, Co Down.

The deluge was described as a once in 100 year event.

Trevor Love, chairman of Down District Angling, said: "We're talking tens of thousands of fish killed in this river."

Click here for more.

Great craic at PAC's first Irish event

Around 40 of the PAC's Irish members took part in our first-ever privileged access event in the land of the leprechauns today.

While plenty of pike were caught on the stunning Barronscourt Lough complex, near Armagh, the bigger fish failed to show in near flat calm conditions.

The best reported was a whisker over 10lbs, to David Scobie. Northern Ireland organiser Gordon Nesbitt said: "It was a great day and everybody really enjoyed themselves.

"It was a good craic and that's what it's all about at the end of the day."

Irish anglers urged to watch for netters

Region 43 over in Northern Ireland is urging all anglers to be vigilant after illegal nets were found on the Erne and Bann systems. More here.

Northern Ireland region set to meet

RA43 are meeting at Lurgan Town Hall on Thursday, September 13 (7.30pm...).

RO Gordon Nesbitt said a number of important issues would be discused and all members should do their best to attend.

NI Region response over Erne pike match

The PAC's Northern Ireland Region has responded to claims made by the organisers of the Erne Classic pike competition.

It comes as two letters are circulated to the media which purport to be from anglers who claim to have fished the event and been happy with standards of fish casre.

Brendan Downey,

Department of Culture,

Arts and Leisure,

Interpoint,

20-24, York St.,

Belfast,

Co. Antrim,

BT15 1AQ.

Dear Brendan,

Ref:- ERNE CLASSIC INTERNATIONAL PIKE FISHING COMPETITION, OCTOBER, 2007.

Thank you for your reply of 03/08/07. I have digested the contents of your letter, and I have to say that I'm disappointed with some the responses to the individual issues raised, especially as they mirror similar/ identical letters sent to my colleagues, despite the comprehensive range of issues I articulated.

I would like to clarify, firstly, that I was present for the boat event days at last

year's event, as a concerned observer and stakeholder, and witnessed many instances of poor handling, retention, stewarding methods, and release.

Some of this has been attached as photographic evidence of the points raised here for further clarification, other anecdotal instances can be given in written statement form, on request.

Please contact me at the above address or n_todd@tiscali.co.uk, if you want me to forward the photos via e-mail.

I wish to raise a number of issues in response, and would be interested in your considered opinion on the same:

1. With regard to dismissing the comparisons between transporting and retaining pike in a competition, I fail to understand how the two events are not comparable? Both involve handling and retaining pike in a stressful situation, resulting in an oxygen debt, build-up of lactic acid in the pike's muscles, changes to body chemistry, etc.

Indeed, retention of fish after being hooked, played, landed, unhooked etc would be evidentially More stressful than fish retained in aerated tanks, with low light, adequate oxygen, clean water, controlled retention conditions, and minimum handling by experienced aqua-culturists or fisheries scientists.

In comparison, competition fish are retained in un-aerated barrels, undergo variable hooking, landing and handling abilities, variable, uncontrolled media for retention (dirty water, no/ depleted oxygen levels, excessive organic debris, uncontrolled ph, faeces, blood, etc.) for indeterminate lengths of time prior to weighing and release, with an accrued, unresolved oxygen debt.

As you know, pike are a "sprint" predator, not designed for protracted chases or fights. As such, after catching, they will have incurred a disproportionate oxygen debt and stress levels, in comparison to those incurred during transportation.

I would welcome your further comments on the veracity of the scenario and comparisons I have drawn above, and would also like to ascertain how you came to your initial conclusions that the two situations are not similar.

With further reference to the above scenario, as custodians of the Public Angling Estate, DCAL fisheries managers and scientists must have surely conducted, or have in their possession, rigorously tested scientific studies to back this hypothesis up (ie use of barrels as suitable for pike retention?) I'm sure you are aware, as a scientist, that this sort of scientific rigour, based on the Null Hypothesis principle, would ascertain whether the barrels were a suitable environment for retaining Pike; certainly in comparison to the controlled conditions created by your staff when transporting fish.

Again, I would welcome your further comment on this issue; perhaps you could furnish me with a copy of such data, should it exist.

2. With regard to you comment "while the Department assisted the organisers in running the competition, We have NO DIRECT RESPONSIBLITY for the measures employed," I would request further clarification on this statement, in view of the Department's role as guardian and custodian of the Public Angling Estate.

As the Fishery owner, on behalf of the Public in N.I., I would have thought it incumbent upon DCAL to ensure all methods of pike welfare and handling employed were rigorously vetted and sanctioned prior to the commencement of this event, especially due to its size and nature, and the potential widespread impact on pike stocks. Or am I to assume that the organisers were allowed to apply their own rules, without consultation with DCAL on appropriate retention methods.

In addition, can you clarify if DCAL employees also vetted both the stewards and competitors, to ensure competence of marshals, rigorous adherence to the competition rules, and monitoring to establish if appropriate tackle and retention facilities were provided by the organisers, who have in principle hired this venue from the Public Estate for this competition.

Were "Duty of Care" principles enforced on the organisers to ensure reasonable protection of stocks, by enforcement of their own rules.

I would draw your attention to some of the photos attached regarding the use of barrels by the competitors; these clearly show an inappropriate volume and cleanliness of retention water, as well as evidence of de-scaling, when fish were being removed. Barrels of this size are also too small to retain pike of double figures or above, common weight/length ratio data shows that mid-double figure fish can easily exceed 38-40 inches in length- these barrels are no more than 36-37 inches in length (industry standard 200l polyprop. barrels.)

This, as you know, will deplete or reduce oxygen levels below the threshold for pike to recover without undue stress or further complications, which can occur up to 2-3 days after release. Again, are you aware of inappropriate storage conditions being challenged by DCAL staff

monitoring this event? I observed similar low barrel water levels and deteriorated water condition over both days of the event; no competitors were challenged by stewards, who seemed unaware of the implications of these factors.

From the photos supplied, you can see that the barrels were often only a third to a quarter full, which equates to approx. max. 50-70 litres of water in each barrel (as you know, 1kg water= 1litre water.) The use of barrels, in my opinion, is dangerous in itself, especially during rough

conditions. 50-70kg of water sloshing about in a barrel on a boat of maybe 14ft. long can become dangerous in rough weather- two outcomes are possible:

a) The boat becomes dangerous to competitors; fish inside the barrels are also stressed by additional movement.

b) Tendency for competitors to under fill barrels to counter this issue, leading to inappropriate water levels for retention.

These facts can be corroborated by other observers and competitors who entered the competition, and also raised concerns at the time.

Again, I am aware of a number of competitors willing to make statements to this effect, which can be supplied on request.

3. I'm also concerned by your statement "we understand that all fish were returned alive, and the methods employed seem to have worked." What factual evidence is this statement based upon? Did DCAL staff comprehensively monitor the event, and the welfare methods employed? If so, I presume review minutes/ data are extant, and are they available?

If no review took place, in whose opinion were the methods a success, and what factual evidence was submitted as verification? Was verification based solely on DCAL staff watching a DVD of the event, as you allude to in your letter? Who produced this DVD- the organisers/ Sky TV? How long was this DVD, bearing in mind the course for the boat event was 8 miles long, held over 2 days, and approximately 16 angling hours? Was there independent verification of these issues?

As you know, the effects of stress and oxygen deprivation may occur up to a couple of days post event, so I'm confused about your assertion that all fish survived the experience. Without labouring the point, on what evidence is this official DCAL position based?

At the time of the inaugural event, (which I stress, I attended over the 2 days of the boat event,) a number of observers and competitors, including myself, witnessed substandard handling and release by stewards. There was a strong flow on the Erne at that time, and I personally witnessed fish dropped straight from a weigh sling, from a height of 6 feet or more at Carrybridge slipway/jetty, back into the main flow, without recovery, on more than one occasion. These issues were pointed out to the organisers publicly and privately at the time, and indeed after the event.

Again, there are witnesses available willing to testify to these and similar examples in writing, on request. Furthermore, you ask for evidence of fish mortalities - I would like to challenge that it is incumbent on those organising and managing the event to prove that their methods have not caused mortalities.

Visible signs of fish in distress, or lack of it, are not a substitute for proper scientific method, and reeks rather of shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted. Again, I refer you to the heavy flow on the Erne that day, and the fact that all fish, morbid or otherwise, were carried away quickly. I witnessed this for myself at Carrybridge.

Were there any follow-up checks conducted on the water by DCAL staff to check for mortalities, after the event?

Finally, I categorically welcome the fact that DCAL will review the methods employed, and will research alternatives to those employed.

I would re-iterate that both the PAC and myself are not against the running of this event. (The bank event was well organised, as were aspects of the boat event.) We do believe that some of the critical welfare/ retention methods employed can be markedly improved to reduce fish stress, excessive handling, and potential for mortality during or after the event.

As the PAC is one of the largest single species clubs in the UK, with extensive experience of pike handling and conservation methods, (noted Fisheries Biologists such as Bruno Broughton, Neville Fickling, Barry Rickards, etc. are senior members,) our suggestions to help improve this competition have been submitted to the organisers before, during and after the inaugural event, to no avail.

However, I'm happy to offer a brief precis for reference:

a) Replace barrels with adequate numbers of floating marshals- mobile marshals every 250-500m along the event course, with either walkie-talkie, or visible flag indication of a fish being landed.

Mobile marshals then TRAVEL TO THE COMPETITOR'S BOAT, to preclude retention of fish in a barrel. Fish can then be quickly weighed, recorded, recovered, and returned, reducing undue stress, and recovering oxygen debt.

The added bonus is that experienced stewards are on hand to help inexperienced anglers, should they encounter any handling difficulties.

No fish need to be moved in barrels to weigh stations.

b) Employ pike tubes to allow fish to recover after handling, by suspending off STATIC, anchored boats, during and after the weighing by mobile stewards. This ensures the fish recovers in its own environment, with clean, fully oxygenated water, under the supervision of the stewards present.

This will also enable morbid/ deep hooked fish to be disqualified as per Event rules. Another benefit is that the increased levels of marshalling also enable stringent observation of the event rules, to ensure that pike welfare is paramount. This again protects Public Angling Estate pike stocks.

Additional supplementary methods have also been proposed, and I know the PAC would certainly be willing to discuss them further with DCAL should an inclusive public review occur. I trust that any public review will enable any interested stakeholder such as the PAC to formally submit proposals for improvement?

If so, please indicate when this review will take place. Also, please bear in mind that the PAC has established its Code of Conduct for pike competitions successfully on the largest pike competition in Europe, the ACA/Angling Times yearly event, to the benefit of all stakeholders, including the Pike, so the PAC is experienced in helping conduct large scale predator events.

In conclusion, removal of the use of barrels, and replacement with more practical fish retention methods can only mean a Win-Win scenario - sustainable pike stocks for ALL to enjoy, and a successful event based upon enlightened, modern methods of fish welfare.

As a result, tourism in both Fermanagh and N.I. generally can only benefit.

As ever, I look forward to your prompt reply addressing the issues raised above. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require clarification or any further information.

Yours Sincerely,

Neil Todd,

Region 43, Northern Ireland,

Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain.

NI members report canal pollution

PAC members in Northen Ireland reported a diesel spill from a sinking boat on the Portna Canal today. Prompt action stopped the oil escaping into the nearby River Bann. See the RA43 Blog for the latest and pictures.

We can work together, say FOE

Pike anglers and environmental campaigners can work together to combat pollution and threats to our fisheries.

That was the message from Friends of the Earth campaigner Niall Bakewell, when he addressed a meeting of the PAC's Northern Ireland Region.

Regional Organiser Gordon Nesbitt said: "He gave an interesting talk on the common goals that the PAC and Friends of the Earth can hope to achieve when working together."

FOE has already woked in partnership with Antrim Angling Club to deliver a damning dossier on polluters. Click here.

PAC members are compiling similar evidence concerning incidents on Lough Beg, in Co Londonderry. The evidence will be passed the relevant authorities. Click here.

Gordon told the meeting, at Portadown Town Hall, that it was vital for pike anglers to remain vigilant.

He said incidents should be passed to the EHS/DOE Pollution Hotline 0800 807060, and the following details noted down for future record:

1. Where, when, what, whom.
2. Record suspected cause, if a polluter, try to record or retain evidence eg photos, film, registration numbers/ descriptions, log of activities noted.
3. Record time, date and to whom took your call from the pollution hotline.
4. Record when where, whom you were referred to in the EHS/DOE.
5. Record any follow-up contact, results of investigations, repeat incidents (in the same fashion), or record if initial report has NOT been followed up.

For more information see the RA43 Blog.

Watch out for set lines in Northern Ireland

PAC members in Northern Ireland are warning anglers to keep an eye out for set lines on the River Bann. Click here to see the NI Blog for more.

We want action over Beg, say NI pikers

We want answers. And we want action to protect our waters.

That's the message pike anglers in Northern Ireland are sending out to the province's newly-enshrined devolved government today, as they step up their campaign to save Lough Beg.

The massive oil spill which polluted the Co Londonderry nature reserve two weeks ago is the latest in a series of incidents on the water.

Now Pike Anglers Club members are meeting the Countryside Alliance and Friends of the Earth for talks as they compile a dossier to lobby ministers.

"There's been this attitude that no-one's answerable to anyone over here," PAC regional organiser Gordon Nesbitt said. "We're stunned this could happen to such a special water.

"Lough Beg is an SSSI, whose shores are also home to rare species of plants and a diverse range of waterfowl. We are determined to see it accorded the respect it deserves."

Pike anglers regard Beg as an important water in the Lower Bann system - as well as an internationally-renowned nature reserve.

PAC president Phil Wakeford said: "We totally support the principle of the polluter pays. Whoever caused this mess should be prosecuted, made to clear up after themselves and make good any damage."

The dossier compiled by PAC members will be sent to ministers, as the club lobbies for those who have polluted Beg to be prosecuted and for the lake's internationally-important habitats to be protected.

Pikers fear the worst for pollution-hit Beg

Pike anglers in Northern Ireland are fearing the worst tonight as the scale of a major oil spill on a prime fishery became clear.

More than 8,000 gallons of red diesel haves formed a massive slick on Lough Beg, in Co Londonderry.

Pike Anglers Club members in the area say it comes just weeks after fish have spawned in the shallow lake on the Lower Bann system.

Specialist cleaners were still trying to contain what local media were calling an environmental disaster as darkness fell.

The alarm was raised by the crew of a police helicopter who spotted the oil spill close to Bellaghy, on Tuesday morning.

The disaster is the latest in a series of pollution problems to hit Lough Beg - an SSSI which was previously acknowleged as one of the finest pike fisheries in the Lower Bann system.

Gordon Nesbitt, the PAC's organiser for Northern Ireland, said the spill came after receding levels had killed pike spawn in recent seasons, and the lake had suffered further unexplained kills of adult coarse fish of all species.

The PAC is calling for answers over this - not least why the impact of such pollution outbreaks on the pike and pike fishing never seem to be considered by the powers that be.

Late tonight one TV station called the oil spill "an environmental diaster" - click here.

Northern Ireland gets set for first PAC event

Talks are well-advanced to secure a ground-breaking privileged access event for the PAC in Northern Ireland.

Special events organiser Mark Skinner and Northern Ireland RO Gordon Nesbitt have been in discussions over arranging access to a private lough in Northern Ireland for a two-day charity fish-in next winter.

More details of the event, which will be held under the banner of children's leukaemia charity CLIC Sargent, will be announced shortly.

Mark said: "It is great to be able to raise funds for CLIC whilst doing something we love, which is pike fishing, hopefully members will attend these events and together we can raise some much needed funds for a worthy cause."

The event will be a landmark for the PAC, which now has a thriving region and rapidly-growing membership in Northern Ireland.

RO Gordon Nesbitt said: "It means an awful lot to us."

Northern Ireland meeting - corrected date

Please note the meeting at Lurgan Town Hall, trailed here, is on Thursday, April 5 - not Wednesday, as originally stated. Apologies for any confusion caused.

Northern Ireland hosts PAC secretary

Pike Anglers Club secretary Mark Barrett will be off to Northern Ireland next week, to meet members of the club's revitalised RA43.

Membership has been going through the roof over there and Mark's visit is aimed at strengthening links and seeing how the club can help anglers in the area protect and improve their pike fishing.

The members-only meeting is being held at Lurgan Town Hall, in Union Street, Lurgan, Craigavon, from 7.30pm on Thursday, April 5.

RO Gordon Nesbitt said: "We would like to stress at this point, how important it is that all our members attend this meeting.

"There are alot of important topics to discuss, and I'm sure the members would like to take the opportunity to meet Mark."

For a map of the venue, click here.

PAC boosts profile at Angling Ireland

PAC members from Region 43 did us proud at the Angling Ireland Exhibition held in Belfast last weekend, running a stall on behalf of the club.

RO Gordon Nesbitt said they were surprised at the level of interest. More here.

PAC eyes Irish by-law survey

The Pike Anglers Club is consulting its colleagues in Northern Ireland over a fisheries survey which asks anglers their views on conserving pike and other coarse fish.

For more on the survey click here.

More news as we get it.

More on George Higgins talk in Ireland

More details on the Northern Ireland PAC Blog about George Higgins' forthcoming talk on february 15. George will be talking about his lifetime of pike fishing in Ireland, mainly with lures, in which he's boated fish to over 30lbs. One not to be missed for anyone over there.

More here.

RA 43 welcome Irish pike fishing legend

George Higgins, truly one of Ireland's pike fishing legends, will be speaking at Portadown Town Hall, in Co Armagh on Thursday, February 15.

This is a members-only evening, for more information contact Gordon Nesbitt at region43pac@btinternet.com.

For more information on meetings and other events in Northern Ireland, click here.