Staff at Ireland’s marine agencies hooked on angling

Male Cuckoo WrasseThe Annual Inter Agency Sea Angling Challenge is back! Now in its 22nd year, the 2023 Challenge took place in Clew Bay, Co. Mayo on Friday 8th September.

The yearly event began in 2001 as an idea from staff of the Marine Institute and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). These friends and colleagues have been a part of the organising team since inception, which has helped ensure participants have consistently high quality angling options in the selected competition areas.

In addition to the relaxing hook and line fishing that takes place, the aims of the Angling Challenge are:     

  • Providing an informal networking event
  • Increasing and improving awareness of sea angling (particularly for newer staff of the agencies) 
  • Providing opportunities to discuss issues within the sport

Patricia Orme, Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute commented, “The annual angling challenge is a fantastic way for staff from multiple Irish marine agencies to build connections, and learn more about the area of angling, all while taking part in some friendly competition. We hope to see the event continue for many more years.”

The social and educational event allows anglers to enjoy the productive marine waters off the coast of Ireland.

In recent years, teams have included current and former staff from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) River Basin Districts, the Marine Institute and Sea Fisheries Protection Agency (SFPA). They have also been joined over the years by teams from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and the Loughs Agency.

1st place winners. Michael Hennessey and Micheal Patten. Winning Team 2023. West/North West Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI)

 

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Sinéad Coyne, Marine Institute e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090

Sheila Byrnes, Marine Institute e. sheila.byrnes@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 815 5271

Notes to Editor:

Marine Institute

The Marine Institute provides government, public agencies, and the maritime industry with a range of scientific, advisory, and economic development services that inform policy-making, regulation, and the sustainable management and growth of Ireland’s marine resources. The Institute undertakes, coordinates, and promotes marine research and development, which is essential to achieving a sustainable ocean economy, protecting ecosystems, and inspiring a shared understanding of the ocean. www.marine.ie