WORRIED Killarney anglers have warned that certain fishing practices on the Killarney Lakes are posing a serious threat to the ecosystem of the area.
The Lough Lein Anglers Association has voiced concern over the use of fish species as live bait and the introduction of non-indigenous species to the lakes.
And the anxious fishermen have called for immediate preventative action from Duchas and the South Western Fisheries Board.
"Recent times have seen a huge growth in the practice of shoreline angling, most of which has involved the use of worms as bait," the Anglers Association said in a statement issued to The Kingdom.
"It is well known that a significant component of shoreline anglers are using fish species as live bait," a spokesman remarked.
"The recent occurrence of significant populations of introduced roach in several lakes and the recent taking of a Rudd-Roach hybrid in Killarney s Lower Lake are the direct result of this practice," he added.
In a determined bid to protect the priceless lakes, the anglers are calling for the introduction of a bye-law enforcing a "fly-only" rule for brown trout in the
catchment area.
They are also seeking increased policing of the fishing methods used in the lakes to eliminate the illegal practice of live baiting.
"Killarney is famous for its lakes and these water bodies are a huge resource for their wildlife and scenic value and their use for amenity activities such as boating and fishing," the local angling club has stressed.
"These lakes are dynamic ecosystems with a complex ecology, which requires our respect and consideration in their management," the anglers added.
The have expressed concern about the long-term future of the eco-system and say that highest priority should be given to the conservation of native stocks of trout and salmon.
"The Lough Lein Anglers Association is concerned with the overall conservation of the Killarney catchment and we are extremely concerned that the continued practice of unregulated fishing methods will eventually result in the introduction of pike into this area," the spokesman warned.
"The detrimental impact of such an event cannot be overstated," he added.
The anglers have written to both Duchas and the South Western Fisheries Board to highlight their concerns.
