Experiences of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to the conservation of Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus in Ireland

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 650; no. 1; pp. 213 - 222
• Main Authors: Igoe, Fran, Neylon, Stephen, Kelly, Myles
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands 01.08.2010; Springer Netherlands; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Arctic char conservation; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Charr; Conservation; Conservation biology; Decision making; Ecology; Environmental associations; Fish; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Life Sciences; NGOs; Non-governmental organizations; Nongovernmental organizations; Salvelinus alpinus; Synecology; Zoology; Ireland; Europe; PN, Arctic; Eire; Ireland; Arctic char conservation; Aquatic environment; Vertebrata; Hydrobiology; Pisces; Conservation; Salvelinus alpinus
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1007/s10750-010-0229-4

This article reports on the work of the Irish Char Conservation Group, a voluntary Non-Government Organisation set up in 2000 to promote the conservation of Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus in Ireland. The basic terms of reference of the group, its operations and achievements are outlined. Since 2001, the Irish Char Conservation Group has surveyed 47% of known Arctic char loughs in Ireland, updating records and recording previously undiscovered populations (n = 8). Research in partnership with other agencies is ongoing, providing information necessary for informed management decisions concerning the species. The group interfaces with the relevant statutory bodies in Ireland on a number of levels and endeavours to be as proactive as possible in facilitating research by collecting material and archiving samples for scientific research. The group interfaces with the public through a range of media in an effort to promote understanding amongst the general public of issues affecting Arctic char and its importance from biodiversity and heritage perspectives. In some instances, specific targeted campaigns have been carried out in an effort to address issues affecting Arctic char in particular loughs.