Galway Fishery closed due to high water temperatures

James Cox

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is notifying anglers of the closure of the Galway Fishery due to high water temperatures.

The fishery on the Corrib River in Galway closed to all angling on Tuesday, May 20th, and until further notice.

Two other fisheries managed by IFI, the Erriff Fishery and the Moy Fishery, are also closed because of elevated water temperatures.

IFI recorded water temperatures of above 20 degrees Celsius at the Galway Fishery twice in the past 24 hours and it has closed the fishery to protect fish "from potentially lethal stress".

IFI is guided by scientific advice that indicates a dramatic increase in angling-related mortalities at temperatures above 20 degrees.

The fishery will reopen once temperatures return to levels where fish will not be thermally stressed, and is conditional on at least two successive water temperature readings of less than 18 degrees Celsius.

Anglers with bookings affected by the closure will be contacted by IFI.

Anglers with season permits for the high bank and OPW beats on the Corrib River in Galway will also be affected by the closure, and fishing must cease until the fishery reopens

IFI said anglers should contact the Galway Fishery for the latest advice before travelling on 091 562388 or galwayfishery@fisheriesireland.ie.

Other fisheries managed by IFI have also recorded high temperatures, and anglers are encouraged to contact IFI via the details below for the latest update.

Cloongee Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie
Ballyvary Fishery: 096 21332, moyfishery@fisheriesireland.ie

IFI urges the public to report any instances of distressed fish, fish kills, illegal fishing, or water pollution to IFI’s confidential 24/7 number on 0818 34 74 24.