ISFC Rules for Specimen Fish Claimants

4. Identification

The identification of a fish must be fully documented where there is a possibility of its confusion with any other (and particularly larger) species. For this reason, the Committee, in respect of some species, insists that scales from the fish, close up photographs or the actual body must be forwarded as actual proof of identification, before it will consider claims.

FISH SCALES must be submitted in respect of claims for

• SALMON,
• SEA TROUT,
• BROWN TROUT (including SLOB TROUT)

Any brown trout taken in tidal waters, i.e., in the sea or in an estuary below the freshwater boundary as defined for that river will be regarded for claim purposes as a slob trout. About 50 scales scraped from each shoulder of the fish should be sent with the claim.

FISH SCALES and CLEAR, SHARP, CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHS must be submitted in respect of claims for

• DACE
• RUDD,
• RUDD/BREAM HYBRID
• ROACH
• ROACH/BREAM HYBRID

The ISFC requests that anglers who catch specimens of these species or hybrids would take a small sample of scales (5 to 10 scales) from the fish and place them in a dry envelope (not in a plastic bag or tin foil). This sample, together with good quality colour photographs showing the entire fish on its side and fins well displayed, the dorsal and the anal fins (fully splayed), with additional close up photographs of the head (side on) should be forwarded with each claim form for identification. The scales will be used to positively identify these fish by genetic fingerprinting. This process began in 2007 and, combined with good quality photographic evidence, has provided positive identifications. It also presents the possibility of correctly identifying rudd/roach hybrids and anglers are invited to submit claims for possible specimens (> 1 kg) of this hybrid in 2008.

CLEAR, SHARP, CLOSE-UP PHOTOGRAPHS, showing the entire fish with its fins and other features easily seen, and not fore-shortened or obscured by shadows or bystanders must be provided in the case of

• TOPE,
• SHARKS,
• SKATE,
• RAYS,
• BLUEMOUTH,
• MONKFISH,
• POLLACK,
• COALFISH,
• BALLAN WRASSE,
• TRIGGER FISH,
• ALBACORE,
• TUB GURNARD (pectoral fins of gurnard must be fully expanded),
• GILTHEAD BREAM (whole body and head shot showing mouth and eyes).

If necessary, the fish should be hung up for photographs. In the case of skates and rays, photographs of both back and belly surfaces should be provided and particulars of the coloration given (with particular reference to the presence of dark or grey spots, or streaks or patches on the belly side). Samples of the teeth should be furnished in the case of Porbeagle and Mako Sharks. In addition, there should be a clear close-up photograph showing the jaws and teeth exposed.

GUIDANCE NOTE TO ASSIST ANGLERS TAKING FISH PHOTOGRAPHS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES

Some of the important identification features which should be photographed for different species are shown in the Central Fisheries Board publication “Irish Sport Fishes - a guide to their identification” which can be downloaded at www.cfb.ie/fishing_in_ireland/fish_id.htm

THE ACTUAL BODY must be forwarded for identification in the case of the following species:-

• MACKEREL,
• SCAD,
• HERRING,
• SHAD,
• FLOUNDER,
• DAB,
• BRILL,
• MEGRIM,
• GREY & RED GURNARDS,
• GREY MULLET,
• GOLDEN GREY AND RED MULLET,
• ANGLER FISH,
• LESSER SPOTTED DOGFISH,
• THREE BEARDED ROCKLING,
• SMOOTH HOUND,
• RAYS BREAM,
• CUCKOO WRASSE,
• TORSK,
• “RIVER” EELS taken in tidal waters,
• GARFISH (head and gills only).

Claims may be ratified where a photograph is of sufficient quality to provide conclusive evidence (i.e. key identification features clearly visible) to identify a fish, to the satisfaction of the Committee. However, the onus to provide suitable evidence rests solely with the angler.

Fish requiring identification should be sent to:

*IMPORTANT – Completed claim forms should be sent to: Irish Specimen Fish Committee, c/o CFB, Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co. Dublin, Rep. of Ireland (Tel: 00-353-1-8842600) before 30th November each year. Where required for identification purposes (see Rule 4) fish should be sent to the same address.