132 people took part in the survey by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
More than nine in ten trout anglers at Lough Sheelin are now releasing more fish than when they started fishing.
A new survey by Inland Fisheries Ireland involved 132 participants at the lake, which borders Westmeath, Meath and Cavan.
Catch-and-release methods ensure trout stock have a greater chance of survival within the freshwater lake.
The research used a method developed by IFI called Fishers’ Local Ecological Knowledge Surveillance Indicators, which is designed to track environmental impacts and changes in fish stocks through local information sources by asking anglers about different aspects of the fishery now, compared to when they started fishing on the lake.
Dr Cathal Gallagher, Head of Research and Development at IFI, says:
"The trends, over the four decades studied in the research, were mostly positive regarding the abundance and size of trout in the lake and its ecosystem.
Respondents commented they now believe the lake is currently fishing well.
However, some expressed concerns about threats to Lough Sheelin’s trout stocks, including pollution, pressure from angling activity, poor water quality, and protection of fish.
This research highlights the growth in awareness of fish conservation among anglers.
Seasoned fishers on Lough Sheelin have a deep understanding of the lake’s surrounding ecology that’s been developed through long-term interactions with the natural environment."
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