All anglers seeking to claim specimens in 2023 should note the following.

From January 1st 2023 the following will now apply:

• Records will be weight based, but, newly listed species, or species without a record weight, can be length based.
  What this means: Record claims for new species, or species without a weight record, can be length based from 2023 onwards.
• ALL SPECIES ≤ 1 kg or ≤ 40 cm TL or FL must be weighed in grammes and measured in centimetres only. Claims can only be made in grammes and centimetres.
  What this means: For smaller species claiming in grammes (g) and cm/mm will allow for more accurate reporting.
• Porbeagle specimens must be measured in water alongside vessel with 180 cm mark clearly visible on measuring device.
  What this means: All specimens will be awarded as > 180 cm FL irrespective of actual length.  Conservation and welfare-oriented rule.
• Common skate renamed, now known as Flapper Skate (Dipturus intermedius).
  Why this change: Two separate species (Flapper & Blue Skate) were identified in this species complex in 2009 (Iglésias et al., 2009)

Updates to specimen weights and lengths from 2023

• Red Gurnard can now be claimed as a length based specimen, ≥ 45 cm TL
• Mackerel can now be claimed as a length based specimen, ≥ 44 cm TL
• Thick Lipped Mullet can now be claimed as a length based specimen, ≥ 55 cm TL
• Three bearded Rockling can now be claimed as a length based specimen, ≥ 40 cm TL
• Torsk specimen weight has been reduced to ≥ 2.0 kg and can now be claimed as a length based specimen ≥ 40 cm TL
• Whiting can now be claimed as a length based specimen ≥ 54 cm TL

• ← ISFC 2022 Report available online now
• Irish Specimen Fish Atlas published and available for purchase →