Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishing Season to Resume Next Week

12th November 2024

Afloat.ie Team

Fishing for native oysters in the Foyle area will recommence on a limited basis for a four-week period from Tuesday 19 November Credit: Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency has confirmed that the Lough Foyle native oyster fishing season is to recommence next Tuesday 19 November.

The season had been suspended since 29 October in order to alleviate pressure on the native oyster population in Lough Foyle.

Fishing will be permitted on three days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) from 8am to 4pm for a four-week period.

The fishery will then close after fishing on Thursday 12 December and will remain closed in its entirety for the month of January 2025.

The Loughs Agency says it will use this time to assess the native oyster population, after which a meeting will be arranged with licence holders to discuss the management of the fishery for the remainder of the season.

Fishery landings and fishing activity will be closely monitored, and licence holders will be notified if any changes are necessary, the agency adds.

Licence holders are also reminded that it is their legal obligation to submit catch returns no later than three days after the end of each fishing week.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.