• Specimen weights - freshwater
• Specimen weights - sea

Eligible Species

A bluemouth taken of Burtonport. This 'unusual' species became such a regular occurance on boat fishing trips that it was added to the list of eligible species in 2002

To make a claim for a specimen or you must have caught a fish recognised by the Irish Specimen Fish Committee (links to freshwater and marine listing are on the left) which is equal to or exceeds the Specimen weight for that species. To claim a record the fish must of course exceed the established heaviest weight for that species.

The list of eligible species is not fixed as an important function of the ISFC is to act as a focal point for data collection on the occurrance of notable, rare or unusual species taken on rod and line in Irish waters. This has led to species previously regarded as unusual being added to the list of eligible species.

Examples from recent years include

• Bluemouth (Helicolenus dactylopterus) from 2002
• Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) from 2002
• Golden grey mullet (Liza aurata Risso) from 2005
• Gilthead bream (Sparus aurata L.) from 2006
• Blackmouthed dogfish (Galeus melastomus) from 2007

The decision to establish a new specimen fish category is taken with due consideration of the information available to the Committee. One of the principle criteria is that the species should be captured in the ordinary course of angling. Other important factors include the numbers of the species taken over a given period, the distribution of the species and the weight of individual fish in comparison to their likely maximum achievable weight.

To begin the process of attempting to establish a new specimen fish category anglers are requested to submit a completed claim form for each fish captured. This is particularly important as it will establish a database on that species and enable further investigation and comparison of future claims. With most species the body will have to be forwarded for positive identification. Other arrangements would apply for large fish. The availability of the body is essential to allow the Committee to verify positive identification of the species. The claim form will allow monitoring of numbers and weights of the species. This facilitates assessment of the likelihood of capture, the likely specimen weight and the availability and seasonality of the species.

It is difficult to legislate for every situation that may arise but it must be stated that the final decision will rest with the Committee and will be based on a balanced review of the information available. While this process is progressing some details of interesting fish captured will be reported here and in the annual report as necessary.

Exclusion from specimen status

Freshwater eel – suspended from ISFC list of eligible species until 2012

In compliance with a new bye-law, the CONSERVATION OF EEL FISHING BYE-LAW NO. C.S. 303, 2009, eel has been suspended from the specimen list from 14th May 2009. Claims for specimen eels taken before 14th May 2009 will be accepted.

The new bye-law prohibits fishing for eel, or possessing or selling eel caught in the State. The commercial eel fishery has also been closed to conserve eel stocks in Ireland.

The angling bye-law will cease on 30 June 2012. For further information on the bye-law see the following link:

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Inland+Fisheries+Division/Bye-Laws+2009.htm

Common Skate, Undulate Ray and Monkfish: Sharks and rays (elasmobranchs) are a group of fishes requiring special consideration. In 1976 the Committee, in the interests of conservation, decided to remove the Common Skate (Raja batis) from the list of eligible fishes and not to consider any claims
whatsoever, except for a possible new record (i.e., a fish weighing in excess of 100 kg (221 lbs)).

The plight of two further elasmobranch species has since become very serious: both the Undulate Ray (Raja undulata) and the Monkfish (Squatina squatina) are under serious threat due to commercial fishing pressure and the Committee is anxious that their situation should not be exacerbated by angling.

For this reason Undulate Ray and Monkfish were removed from the list of eligible species for 2006 onwards. Claims for a new record in either species will be considered provided that the fish is weighed on shore, photographed and returned alive. This moratorium will continue for two futher years until December 2008 when the situation will be reviewed.