Loughs Agency is to introduce catch-and-release for Atlantic salmon on three rivers in the Foyle system for the remainder of the 2026 season. The measure will apply to the River Roe, River Faughan and River Mourne, along with their tributaries, from 00:00 on Monday, September 21st.
The Agency said the decision follows concerns over the numbers of Atlantic salmon returning to the three rivers and a review of its 2026 monitoring data, including information from fish counters. It said that, based on the information available, it was not satisfied that the required management targets for Atlantic salmon had been met.
Concern Over Returning Salmon
Seamus Cullinan, Director of Conservation and Protection at Loughs Agency, said monitoring was giving "cause for concern" about the number of salmon returning to the wider Foyle system this year.
"Where we cannot be satisfied that the required management targets have been met, our priority must be to protect returning salmon and give as many fish as possible the opportunity to reach their spawning grounds," he said.
"Moving to catch and release allows angling to continue while reducing pressure on the salmon stock."
"We recognise the impact this change will have on anglers and greatly value their cooperation and the important role they play in supporting the conservation of Atlantic salmon."
Precautionary Approach
Loughs Agency said the decision reflects the precautionary approach to salmon management advocated by the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.
The approach involves taking conservation action when uncertainty remains about the status of salmon stocks, rather than delaying measures that could reduce pressure on them.
The catch-and-release requirement is being introduced under Regulation 4 of the Foyle Area (Control of Fishing) Regulations 2010.
Monitoring to Continue
Loughs Agency said it will continue monitoring salmon stocks across the Foyle system and work with anglers, angling clubs, fishery owners and other stakeholders on the long-term conservation of Atlantic salmon.
