My brother Sean informed me about a fish farm proposal on the south west coast of Ireland which is going to have horrible effects locally if it is allowed to go ahead. He asked that I, and any others who might have similar views, send a message of objection before a deadline for such public consultation expires on Feb 12.

If you are a fisherman yourself, particularly of trout and salmon, it is likely that you will already know how open net salmon fish farming has a devastating affect on wild migratory stocks. My friend Paul Reddish who is an acclaimed wildlife film maker produced a short documentary film about the effects of this industry in Scotland. It is hard to stomach.

The proposed fish farm is at Deenish Island in County Kerry. Salmon farming has already been taking place here and it has led to the degradation of the sea trout runs locally and the sea trout fishing in Lough Currane, once a fishery of international repute. The company involved in the salmon farming is MOWI and it is the world´s largest producer of Atlantic salmon. They have already overstocked at this site and broken the conditions of their licence.

Sean asked if I might submit an email to the relevant government department to voice an objection. I have done this but I thought I might give the email address here should any reader be kind enough to put together a similar objection to the proposal. The email address is FinfishPC@agriculture.gov.ie

Every little helps!

I hope to join Sean to fish his local river at Easter time. He has been tying up a few flies in preparation. This is his latest offering.