Loughs Agency Issues Statement on River Derg Pollution Incident

14th May 2026

Afloat.ie Team

File image of the River Derg in Co Tyrone

The Loughs Agency has issued a statement regarding a suspected pollution incident last week on the River Derg in Northern Ireland.

The agency says its fishery officers were deployed to the scene in Co Tyrone once notified on Wednesday 6 May “and a thorough investigation was carried out in collaboration with NIEA”.

It added: “A pollutive discharge was identified, and action was immediately taken to have the discharge stopped. Statutory samples were collected for further analysis.”

Despite fears that “hundreds” of young salmon may have been killed, as reported on BBC News, the Loughs Agency has confirmed that it “found no evidence of fish mortalities as a result of this incident”.

The pollution incident is now a legal matter, the agency says, adding that it is unable to comment further at this time.

Published in Loughs Agency, Northern Ireland Waters, 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.