Press Release - Does Recreational Angling contribute.....

News Release 22/03/2012


Does Recreational Angling contribute to the economy?

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has appointed Tourism Development International (TDI) to undertake a Socio-Economic Survey of Recreational Angling in Ireland. The overall objective of the survey is to establish the current volume and value of domestic and overseas recreational angling in Ireland. It will run over the course of 2012.

Pike, coarse fish, bass, salmon, sea trout, brown trout and sea anglers will all be invited to participate in Irelands most comprehensive angling survey undertaken in decades. The Survey will inform IFI and its tourism partners in relation to the angling product in Ireland and also enable improved strategic planning and decision making in respect of product development and marketing.

‘Anglers are the key to this survey’, commented Minister Fergus O Dowd, TD, ‘they know the resource and they understand the importance of sustainability. What anglers contribute to Ireland’s economy is unknown but I am certain that it is significant. Angling takes place in every river and lake in Ireland and all around our coastline. There is no town or village in Ireland that doesn’t have anglers. It is imperative that the inland fisheries and sea angling resources are managed in the best way possible to ensure enjoyment for our local and visiting anglers, sustainable jobs in rural communities and maximising its potential to add to Ireland’s economy. Getting the right information from those most involved will greatly assist in improving the angling product.’

The survey comprises two parts, a household survey and a survey of recreational anglers which will commence in April. Anglers will be met at fishing locations throughout Ireland and invited to participate there and then, or later by phone or on-line. Every effort will be made to accommodate participation.

Ends…

Media enquiries: Suzanne Campion ,Head of Business Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland,
Anglesea Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971; Email suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie
Website: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.

Tourism Development International is an Irish company founded in 1988 to provide consultancy advice which is pragmatic and sustainable for the tourism and leisure industries worldwide. The company has an in-house team of experts who have been grounded in the industry and has the support of specialist consultants where appropriate.
The survey will address the following questions:

• To provide an estimate of the overall volume of domestic and overseas anglers and assess its reliability.

• To provide an estimate of the volume of domestic and overseas anglers by category and assess the reliability of these estimate:-
o Game – Salmon/Trout/Sea trout
o Coarse
o Pike
o Sea
o Bass

• To prepare an estimate of angling expenditure (domestic and overseas; and by category), to consider and select the most appropriate method of valuation in consultation with IFI considering the various definitions of economic value including income arising, willingness to pay, existence value, option value, and the social and economic value of angling tourism to the exchequer etc.

• To obtain profile and travel pattern information on the five categories of anglers (i.e. country of residence; first time or repeat visitor; age; occupation; mode of transport; type of accommodation used etc broken by domestic/overseas.)

• To review retrospectively recent trends using previous studies(i.e. changes in profile, time of arrival; length of stay etc.) and highlight emerging trends in angling tourism.

• To obtain information on the number of trips and angling locations/ fisheries used by anglers during their visit.

• To obtain an insight into the motivations of visiting anglers both domestic and overseas. (What is Ireland’s unique selling proposition as an angling destination?)

• To establish anglers’ opinions and attitudes on the Irish angling product (overall quality of angling experience; environmental issues; shortcomings; value for money etc.)

• To obtain feedback from anglers on suggested initiatives to improve the quality of the angling experience (both product and marketing related issues to be explored).

To benchmark the Irish angling experience against competitor destinations which anglers have experienced.

Juist got emailed with it! Very important!!!!

its sounds like a step in the right direction about 20 yrs too late i might add.but i suppose it depends on what they do with the data. will they look at it and see how important it is to develope and nurture what we have, or just use it as a head count for a rod license.they pay no attention to the scientific reports given to them in relation to stocks.so you will have to excuse me for not been optimistic about it.

From this report derivation can the ensuing numbers be then used as the correct sea angling stats to Towards an Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland from the post below - or can the point be made that according to the minister that, and I quote 'What anglers contribute to Ireland’s economy is unknown but I am certain that it is significant' so no current national data is in any way accurate hence it questions validity.

I must stress at this point that the actual function of Data Collection by hand is at best minimal - as individual anglers I think we must GO GET the data sheets rather than wait to be asked on the beach or even at home - they cant call to everyone.

Maybe clubs and organisations like IFSA etc can play a part in this

http://www.seaangling.substance.coop/

I must stress at this point that the actual function of Data Collection by hand is at best minimal - as individual anglers I think we must GO GET the data sheets rather than wait to be asked on the beach or even at home - they cant call to everyone.

I would love if they called to EVERYONES home!!

@ twinkle thats the first thing I though of (Rod Licence) especially the wording...

"Anglers are the key to this survey’, commented Minister Fergus O Dowd, TD, ‘they know the resource and they understand the importance of sustainability. What anglers contribute to Ireland’s economy is unknown but I am certain that it is significant. Angling takes place in every river and lake in Ireland and all around our coastline. There is no town or village in Ireland that doesn’t have anglers. It is imperative that the inland fisheries and sea angling resources are managed in the best way possible to ensure enjoyment for our local and visiting anglers, sustainable jobs in rural communities and maximising its potential to add to Ireland’s economy. Getting the right information from those most involved will greatly assist in improving the angling product.’

The survey comprises two parts, a household survey and a survey of recreational anglers which will commence in April. Anglers will be met at fishing locations throughout Ireland and invited to participate there and then, or later by phone or on-line. Every effort will be made to accommodate participation."

Oh and while they say they are looking into exploring Angling with one hand ... with the other they banned fishing from Greystones beach! just read it now!! grrrrrrr (new thread being posted )

Comming soon to a beach near you:

Baliff:

"Welcome sir! Just popped down for a couple of hours? Have you booked? Never mind. But mind showing me your angling licence whilst you're here? Thanks very much. Now, I've a busload of French and German anglers booked in already, grand lads and we need all the custom they bring us what with the economy still down in the dumps and all, so you'll have to shift on once they show up. So, apart from the licence which you're grand on, you'll also need a permit to actually fish this beach. Just like the Salmon boys and their system of permits & licences, really. I can sell you that right now.

Oh look, there's the bus with the French & German lads already. They're early, must be keen to get at all the Bass. You lads better move out of the way now, you don't want to hold them up or annoy them, do you? They have booked, you know.

Comming soon to a beach near you:

Baliff:

"Welcome sir! Just popped down for a couple of hours? Have you booked? Never mind. But mind showing me your angling licence whilst you're here? Thanks very much. Now, I've a busload of French and German anglers booked in already, grand lads and we need all the custom they bring us what with the economy still down in the dumps and all, so you'll have to shift on once they show up. So, apart from the licence which you're grand on, you'll also need a permit to actually fish this beach. Just like the Salmon boys and their system of permits & licences, really. I can sell you that right now.

Oh look, there's the bus with the French & German lads already. They're early, must be keen to get at all the Bass. You lads better move out of the way now, you don't want to hold them up or annoy them, do you? They have booked, you know.

yes they have looked at the american system with the bass and seen the value to each states economy. permits and licenses, and so goes another basic right in the name of getting us back on our feet.probley a directive from our masters in germany

All potential sinister and hidden motives aside, I think it's great that something like this is actually being undertaken.

I'm hoping we all (us anglers) take the initiative and grab this opportunity while it's here. We're responsible for the success of this.

It was mentioned already but I believe the most important factor of the success of this is how far reaching it is. It has to reach as many anglers as possible.

Yours hopefully,
John D.

there treating this like sea angling is only new to this country.you think they could easily work out how much its worth by the vat returns on angling related gear and hotels and guest houses from around the country.i cant help but expect bad news after this is done.i know a lot of lobbying has been done over the past few years to get attention to this market but this could be a can of bad worms to the ordinary joe fisherman.going on past expiriences do you trust them?

sorry lads this is a eu directive...this debate is raging already in england,where there having a angling survey2012...a lot of sea anglers,myself included, recon this is, so they can get numbers to see if its worth bringing in a licence.....i will not be taking part....

your bang on doggie http://www.cefas.defra.gov.uk/our-scien ... gling.aspx they will lead with the usual tactic leak to the press a 20 euro license and then when there is up roar drop it to 10 euros. so we wont feel too ripped off.BUT THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL dont know if you notice the date on the bottom of this document it was up dated in sept 2011 with the results due winter 2012.they have there research done to attach to there new marine bill.i wonder will our masters issue us with angling quotas only allowing 2 of any species per day. so a charter then becomes a species hunt .cant see many paying 400 to 600 euros for that

More money for the banks and their pensions! I cannot see them putting any money back into facilities or improvments for angling whether or not they bring in licencing in the current climate. I would not be against a licence fee however if we had safe parking places and active fisheries patrols to protect our stocks. After all inland fishers have to pay a licence and various permits with little or no complaint. Just a matter of getting value for money!

guys that site is a minefield of information and probably a blueprint of whats to come.there are ten local authorities taking responsibility for there areas in england.just have a gander at it some good info comes across we now know where the saying paddy last comes from.

Comming soon to a beach near you:

Baliff:

"Welcome sir! Just popped down for a couple of hours? Have you booked? Never mind. But mind showing me your angling licence whilst you're here? Thanks very much. Now, I've a busload of French and German anglers booked in already, grand lads and we need all the custom they bring us what with the economy still down in the dumps and all, so you'll have to shift on once they show up. So, apart from the licence which you're grand on, you'll also need a permit to actually fish this beach. Just like the Salmon boys and their system of permits & licences, really. I can sell you that right now.

Oh look, there's the bus with the French & German lads already. They're early, must be keen to get at all the Bass. You lads better move out of the way now, you don't want to hold them up or annoy them, do you? They have booked, you know.

yes they have looked at the american system with the Bass and seen the value to each states economy. permits and licenses, and so goes another basic right in the name of getting us back on our feet.probley a directive from our masters in germany

Sure I'll Pay... were can I swipe my credit card!!!

I know we're probably digressing a little but seeing as though it was mentioned I'd like to say I wouldn't mind paying a licence fee either, as long as the funds are invested in promoting, developing and protecting the sea angling sector.

John D.

More money for the banks and their pensions! I cannot see them putting any money back into facilities or improvments for angling whether or not they bring in licencing in the current climate. I would not be against a licence fee however if we had safe parking places and active fisheries patrols to protect our stocks. After all inland fishers have to pay a licence and various permits with little or no complaint. Just a matter of getting value for money!

value for money is the question what will we get for say an extra 10 euro fishing license and then a 10 euro permit for the area you want to fish per day.just take a guy going down to cork or kerry for a forthnight in august thats an extra 150 euros tax on his holiday.not to mention the tax he has paid on his tackle food fuel accomodation and bait. like i said it will be a sport for the wealthy .this move on its own could pay the national debt before 2014, with all the fines and permits issued.but they wont do nothing different except take your money

I know we're probably digressing a little but seeing as though it was mentioned I'd like to say I wouldn't mind paying a licence fee either, as long as the funds are invested in promoting, developing and protecting the sea angling sector.

John D.

dont you remember the salmon angling licence fiasco....same thing...and now its a rich mans game again...

yea i actually cherish the 100 euro house tax cos i know its going to be ploughed back into local services and make my area a better place just like a fishing licence would !

yea right !!!

50 % would go on consultancy fee,s 30% on management and 20% on administration ,with the poor feckers on the ground actually enforcing the law left with the same resourses they started out with a couple of dozen lads to patrol our whole coastline
since when did any of our hard earned cash go where its supposed to? unless of course your a well in developer who went bust and got a nice salary off nama with a nice wink and nodd from your political buddies