IFI proposes works to improve spawning grounds on Mayo river
IFI is hoping to improve spawning grounds in a South Mayo river.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is seeking to improve spawning grounds on a Mayo river.
The organisation has lodged a planning application for the project with Mayo County Council.
IFI is aiming to undertake raking and augmentation of spawning gravels and the reconfiguration of an existing weir to form an upstream-facing arc in the Keel River, at Knocknakillew, Ballinrobe.
Documentation submitted to the council sets out how the project aims to enhance three gravel beds downstream of the N84 Castlebar Road bridge.
The gravel beds have become dispersed and heavily calcified, making it difficult for trout to use for spawning.
The project will take place within the Lough Carra/Mask Complex SAC and aims to enhance the quality of the local salmon spawning habitat to achieve the conservation objectives for the Lough Corrib SAC, primarily for Atlantic salmon as a feature of interest.
While the project primarily aims to enhance spawning sites for Atlantic salmon, it would also improve habitat for other species, such as the otter, white-clawed crayfish and others. The Keel River connects Lough Carra to Lough Mask. The gravel beds have been created and added to over three decades and have become significant spawning areas for trout.
