Loughs Agency Advises Anglers as Salmon Spawning Season Commences

23rd November 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Loughs Agency salmon spawning season graphic

As another Atlantic salmon spawning season commences, the Loughs Agency is reminding anglers and non-anglers alike that it is an offence to disturb fish on spawning beds.

This is highlighted in Section 47 of the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 – Disturbing Fish on Spawning Beds as below:

If any person disturbs fish on the spawning beds or attempts (except by means of lawful angling with rod and line) to catch fish thereon, he shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.

The agency is asking everyone to be as careful as possible when near spawning beds. People have traditionally checked rivers to see whether salmon have reached their spawning grounds, and while there may be no harm intended, fish can unintentionally be disturbed at a delicate stage in their journey.

Atlantic salmon stocks are in decline across all of Ireland’s rivers. By the time they reach the headwaters to spawn, they have overcome countless obstacles and expended almost all their energy. At this final, crucial stage, they need peace and protection, not additional stress.

The Loughs Agency kindly asks the public to avoid approaching spawning areas and to give salmon the space they need to complete this important part of their lifecycle. Your support plays a real part in helping conserve this iconic species.

The agency’s fishery officers monitor salmon redds across all catchments after spawning, gathering valuable information on spawning activity. This data is available to anyone interested on request.

Published in Loughs Agency, Angling

Published in Loughs Agency

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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.