Joined up thinking?

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...

Very interesting post Jim and i for one will have no issues answering any questions for the goverment for a change.Hopefully the anglers voice will be heard after years in the wilderness.

Jim are you making the point that this is happening at the same time as the other consultation process?

John D.

Both Jim Clohessy and I made the posts at the same time this morning (co-incidentally) - my thinking at the time when I saw the IFI proposal was in relation to the topic I posted here viewtopic.php?f=12&t=38529

Surely any data collated by IFI and TDI would enhance the marine strategy as promoted by Enda Kenny ‘for too long our maritime resources have been a blind spot in our national focus. Whether we are from urban, rural or coastal communities we all have a real interest in the social, cultural and economic impact of our coasts and seas’.

But of course the data wont be available from IFI until 2013 at least - the above consultation process has a closing date of March 31st

Hence - Joined up thinking......?