Background information
This website provides distribution maps of all fish species recorded in the course of lake surveys carried out by contributors (mainly IFT/IFI) since the 1950s. Summaries of each species are also provided. Fish species found in Irish lakes are described by both their latin names and common names. Information on taxonomic classification and Irish names are also provided.
Records of the largest recorded fish caught in Ireland by anglers are detailed for each species with year caught and location. Each species’ typical environment, habitat and distribution in Europe and Ireland are described. When hybrids occur, these are also listed.
The red list status of every species is described according to International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) criteria. Categories of conservation status under the IUCN guidelines range from Not Evaluated, Data Deficient to Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild and Extinct.
The summary of Irish legislation and EU legislation here is not meant to be a legal interpretation. EU legislation relates to legislation that is applied by the European Union and that must be implemented by all member states i.e. Habitats Directive. Annex II species assignment by the Habitats Directive means that its presence requires the designation of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Annex V species assignment means that management measures may be required to control capture in the wild and exploitation. Information is correct at time of submission, October 2009.
Bye-law 806, 2006 states that “coarse fish” means any freshwater fish other than pike, salmon, trout, eels or minnow.
All species profile information has been provided by IFI.
