“Central to our natural heritage” Minister welcomes Mayo Fish Conservation Project funding
Sea to Source initiative receives national funding to help protect salmon and sea trout habitats across Mayo waterways
Minister of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the allocation of almost €50,000 for a Mayo-based conservation initiative aimed at protecting and restoring salmon and sea trout populations.
The Sea to Source Project Group, working in partnership with the Sláinte Research Group at the University of Limerick, has been awarded €49,630.89 under Inland Fisheries Ireland’s latest funding programme for salmon and sea trout conservation projects.
The funding comes from the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF), which is distributing €729,000 nationally this year across 16 projects focused on safeguarding vulnerable fish species and improving aquatic habitats.
The scheme forms part of a wider national investment programme worth up to €1 million annually, supporting initiatives such as habitat restoration, spawning enhancement, riverbank protection, fencing works and the management of invasive species.
Welcoming the funding announcement, Minister Dillon said the investment represented a significant endorsement of the work being carried out in Mayo to protect local waterways and ecosystems.
“This is a very welcome investment for Mayo and a strong endorsement of the Sea to Source team’s commitment to safeguarding our rivers, streams and coastal ecosystems,” he said. “The partnership with the University of Limerick brings scientific expertise directly into our local conservation efforts.”
Minister Dillon highlighted the importance of salmon and sea trout to Mayo’s natural environment and economy.
“Salmon and sea trout are iconic species in Mayo, central to our natural heritage, our angling tourism and the health of our waterways,” he said. “This funding will support practical, on-the-ground measures that improve spawning conditions, enhance water quality and protect critical habitats for future generations.”
The Minister also paid tribute to those involved in the project and their ongoing efforts to address challenges facing fish populations.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication of all involved in the Sea to Source project. Their work is vital in addressing the pressures facing salmon and sea trout populations. This investment will make a real and lasting difference for Mayo’s waterways and the communities that depend on them.”