Loughs Agency Invests Over £1M in Fisheries Improvement Works in 2025

8th January 2026

Afloat.ie Team

£39,000 was invested in fishery works on Clanrye River in the Carlingford area Credit: Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency invested more than £1 million in fisheries improvement works across the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas during 2025.

This funding supported 65 projects across 15 sub-catchments, each designed to enhance fish habitats, improve water quality and deliver on the agency’s commitments within the Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy.

Projects were delivered at various locations, including the Clanrye River in the Carlingford area (£39K), the Quiggery River near Omagh (£37K), the River Finn in Donegal (€60K) and the River Faughan in Co Derry~Londonderry (£57K), among many others.

A major focus of the works was the creation of riparian buffer zones, with 34.2km established to help reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, protect riverbanks from accelerated erosion which can damage fish habitats and support biodiversity.

In addition, 1.8km of green engineering measures were installed to stabilise vulnerable river sections, while project teams planted more than 14,000 native broadleaf trees to provide shade, structure and improved habitat for fish and invertebrates.

Further instream enhancements included gravel regrading to improve spawning habitats, supported by the addition of 50 tonnes of gravel and 40 tonnes of rubble mats to strengthen priority areas and promote a healthier, more resilient river system.

Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency chief executive said: “2025 was an excellent year for fisheries improvement across the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. With over £1 million invested across 65 projects, we are protecting vital fish habitats, supporting sustainable fish populations and strengthening the environmental and economic value these rivers bring to local communities.

“The investment reflects our commitments made in our Fisheries and Angling Improvement Strategy, which ultimately will be the catalyst for continued progress, benefiting our fish populations and the whole ecosystem, environment and angling community.”

To find out details about the fisheries improvement projects undertaken in 2025, visit the Loughs Agency website HERE.

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.